Reverse Residential Model
At Nucleus Horizons, we recognise that some families benefit and can be assessed within their own home, with targeted support, advice and guidance provided to assess and support families to address safeguarding concerns and to promote parenting skills and capacity. Our Reverse Residential Model is designed to meet this need as an alternative to a residential family assessment centre or other family residential assessment units.
This model places the family at the centre of the assessment, with assessments taking place within the family home. We are able to provide supervision within the home full-time to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout this time. This model also promotes stability for families and connections within their local communities, while combining the benefits of a
community assessment approach. If parents consent, we can also provide cameras for observation and monitoring purposes.
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 assessment 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, including settings such as residential assessment units mother and baby. The team works together at family assessment centre 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 through a structured community assessment and reverse parenting assessment process.
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, including work that may support reverse parenting interventions where appropriate.
