Reverse Residential Model
At Nucleus Horizons, we recognise that some families benefit most from being assessed primarily within their own home, with targeted periods of residential support when additional structure, observation, or intervention is required. Our Reverse Residential Model is designed to meet this need.
This model places the community at the centre of the assessment, with short, planned residential stays at Nucleus Horizons used strategically to support learning, manage risk, or clarify assessment outcomes.
What We Do
Our Reverse Residential Model is commissioned by local authorities and the courts and provides a flexible, proportionate approach to assessing parenting capacity. It is delivered in line with the Children Act 1989 and the Working Together to Safeguard Children (2020) framework.
Families typically begin their assessment within their own home or community setting. Where risks increase, progress stalls, or further structured observation is required, families attend Nucleus Horizons for a defined residential period before returning to the community.
This approach allows professionals to assess parenting where long-term care will take place, while still having access to residential support when needed.
Our Reverse Residential Model Service
The Reverse Residential Model or Supported Community Assessment (SCA) is a model where assessments take place within family homes rather than within a residential setting. The team works together to provide support, information and advice within the family home whilst assessing parenting capacity and ability to change, whilst ensuring the safety of your child/children.
Our service includes:
- A named assessing social worker throughout the assessment.
- Community-based assessment in the family home or local area
- Direct observation of parenting across both settings
- One-to-one work and practical parenting support
- Ongoing risk assessment and review
- Regular meetings with parents and professionals
- Clear, evidence-based reports suitable for court proceedings
Supported Community Assessments are planned in advance and tailored to the needs of the family and the assessment objectives.
