Viability and Contact Assessments
At Nucleus Horizons, we understand the importance of timely, well-informed decisions for children who are unable to remain in their parents’ care. Our Viability and Contact Assessments are undertaken during a family’s placement at the Family Assessment Centre, providing structured, evidence-based evaluations that support effective care planning.
These assessments are completed alongside the family’s residential placement, allowing professionals to gather clear, meaningful evidence within a safe and supervised environment.
What We Do
Viability and Contact Assessments are commissioned by local authorities and the courts and are delivered in line with the Children Act 1989 and the Working Together to Safeguard Children (2020) framework.
Assessments are completed by experienced social workers with expertise in safeguarding and court work. By undertaking these assessments during a family’s placement, we are able to observe interactions, boundaries, and capacity for change within a consistent, well-monitored setting.
Our approach is child-focused, proportionate, and transparent, ensuring that all parties understand the purpose, process, and outcomes of the assessment.
Our Viability and Contact Assessment Services
Our service supports local authorities to explore alternative care options and family relationships while a child is placed at Nucleus Horizons.
Viability Assessments
Viability assessments are undertaken to explore whether extended family members or connected persons may be suitable to care for a child.
This includes:
- Assessment of the proposed carer’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- Consideration of safeguarding risks and protective factors
- Observation of interactions during supervised contact
- Assessment of motivation, understanding, and capacity for change
- Clear analysis to inform next steps and full assessments where appropriate
Contact Assessments
Contact assessments focus on the quality, safety, and emotional impact of contact between children and parents or other family members.
This includes:
- Supervised and observed contact sessions
- Assessment of emotional attunement, boundaries, and responsiveness
- Consideration of the child’s experience before, during, and after contact
- Supportive feedback to adults involved in contact
- Clear recommendations regarding frequency, supervision, and progression
Both viability and contact assessments benefit from being completed during placement, where staff are able to provide consistent observation and oversight.
