There are three possibilities once an assessment is concluded:
the needs of the child have been met during the assessment, in which case no further action is required
the assessment identifies a need for further services. The social worker and the rest of the workers involved in the assessment, along with the parents and child, should now decide upon what services are required.
in some cases, the assessment concludes that the child does not meet the criteria set by children's social care. [WTSC 2010 5.48]
In the latter case, it is important that the assessing team does not merely think that the case should be closed. Instead they should consider
do the parents believe that the matter should be closed?
what does the child want to happen?
what other services be used to help the family?
If you decide that more should be done, you will need to discuss this with the family and the relevant agency.
Explain to the family the conclusions of your assessment, what services you think they may find helpful, and how they may go about getting them. You may also offer to assist the family in doing so. It is for the family to decide whether or not they wish to accept any services. Your conclusions and advice should also be given to the family in writing; either as a letter or as a copy of the assessment made.
June 2010
