Clear, evidence-based parenting assessments
Residential and community assessments for local authorities, solicitors and the courts where there are child protection concerns.
Decisions about a child’s future need clear evidence about their parents.
When there are child protection concerns, the court and the local authority must decide whether a parent can care safely for their child, and what support they would need to do so. That decision depends on evidence that is thorough, fair and easy to follow.
Blue Springs Family Centre carries out specialist parenting assessments in these situations. Our assessments give the court and the local authority clear, evidence-based findings, and ParentAssess is now the main assessment model we use.
We offer residential assessments in our two homes in Corby and community assessments in the family’s own home, and we reply to every referral within 24 hours.
What you can expect
When a parenting assessment is usually needed
A local authority or court usually asks for a parenting assessment in one of these situations:
The concerns that most often lead to a referral
Local authorities are usually concerned about the risks a parent may pose to a child because of mental ill health, substance misuse or domestic abuse. Our assessments look closely at these concerns and at the parent’s ability to keep their child safe.
Our assessment services
Residential parenting assessments
Families live in one of our homes for 12 to 16 weeks while our team observes and supports their care of their child. This is our main service, and it is open to parents aged 18 or over with children aged 0 to 4.
The ParentAssess framework
ParentAssess is now the main model we use for our parenting assessments. It has replaced PAMS, which we no longer offer.
Community parenting assessments
We assess parents in their own home, which keeps disruption for the child to a minimum. There is no age limit for the children in a community assessment.
Step-down placements after an assessment
Once an assessment has finished, a family can stay with us while they wait for the final court hearing, subject to availability.
Ready to talk?
To refer a family, email referrals@bluesprings.co.uk or call 07548 809 250. We reply to every referral within 24 hours.