Sometimes further assessments are needed because the assessment team is still unsure about why there are difficulties (for example, parenting capacity, or the degree and effects of a learning disability). In these cases a specialist assessment is required and the lead professional is likely to refer to another service for this.
The professionals involved in the assessment should explain to the family the further assessments required. If the family members agree, the assessment team then identifies who can undertake these, either from within the team or professionals outside it.
Interviews with parents after the introduction of the Assessment Framework in 2000 revealed that they felt more involved in the assessment, with a greater sense of participation than previously, but 40 per cent were still disappointed with the resulting plans.
June 2010
