Coventry City Council Blank Template

**** Changes to the SGO / Connected Person Viability Assessment Processes ****

PLEASE CASCADE KEY MESSAGES TO TEAM MEMBERS

Over recent weeks, a review has taken place of the current process for the completion of SGO / Connected Persons Viability Assessments, as well as the referral process for subsequent full SGO / Connected Persons Assessments should the viability stage prove positive.

This review included discussions with representatives from Legal Services, Neighbourhood Services, Family Placement Service (FPS) and Heads of Service.

These discussions concluded that changes were required to the current processes in order to make the referral and assessment workflows more efficient, and address current issues which were identified as causing delay in progressing cases through the legal framework for children subject to both Pre Proceedings and Care Proceedings.

In summary, the updated changes are as follows:

 Stage 1)

Letter to proposed applicant: (a) A new ‘expression of interest’ letter template has been devised which should be sent to all proposed and identified alternative carers. The template can be used within both the Pre Proceedings or Care Proceedings frameworks and should be amended accordingly. The purpose of the letter is to clearly define to proposed applicants what the assessment process will involve, and what will be required of them. The letter will request a response within an appropriate timeframe in line with timescales defined within the Pre Proceedings and Care proceedings stage.

(b) An FGC should always be attempted to be arranged in order for the family and Social Care to decide and / or identify which family members / friends should be invited to express an interest in being assessed. This should be completed in pre-proceedings where possible.

(c) Social Care should proactively explore all options with Parents when identifying any proposed alternative carers who may require an assessment, in order to prevent any late notification of further applicants later into the pre proceedings / care proceedings processes.

 Stage 2)

Completion of initial viability assessment:

(a) The DBS of the applicant/s, and any other adult within the household, must be initiated by the Assessing Neighbourhood Social Worker undertaking the viability assessment, ideally on the initial visit.

2 (b) The Assessing Neighbourhood Social Worker must pass on the AH medical form to the applicant and ask them to arrange an appointment, ensuring that the applicant is informed that when booking the appointment with their GP they need to request an extended appointment (usually between 30 – 40 mins).

(c) The Assessing Neighbourhood Social Worker should request that the applicant sign the medical consent form and complete the Additional Health & Information Record before emailing back to FPS on [email protected]. FPS will then send a letter to the GP which will inform them where to return the Adult Health form to, and how payments will be made.

(d) All sections of the viability assessment MUST be completed before the FPS will accept the referral for a full SGO / Connected Persons Assessment. The viability assessment proforma has been updated, and should be used with immediate effect. Once complete a referral for a full assessment can be made by emailing the positive viability assessment to [email protected] (Please do not send directly to Zelma van Rhyn).

(e) If during the viability assessment it has been identified that the applicant will need additional resources such as a bigger property, set up costs, such as clothing, white goods or other furniture, then this will need to be considered at the extra ordinary finance panel which takes place once a month at FPS. FPS can advise the Assessing Neighbourhood Social Worker of the dates and inform them what information they will need to present.

 Stage 3)

Completion of Full Assessment: (a) Full SGO / Connected Person Assessments are estimated to take 8 weeks and any timescales agreed within Pre Proceedings or the Court Arena should reflect this.

(b) If Assessments are required in a shorter timeframe, then this must an exception and discussions take place between the Social Worker and FPS before any timeframes agreed.

(c) The Child’s Social Worker and SGO / Connected Persons Assessor / FPS will need to work in conjunction in order to formulate a support plan which is specific to the individual child’s needs, which may require a face to face meeting between all parties prior to filing of the complete assessment and final evidence.

Along with this briefing note, the following supporting documentation and templates are provided:

- Workflow for completion of viability assessments by Neighbourhood Social Worker - Expression of interest letter template for proposed applicant - Guidance for applicants: DBS application - Guidance for applicants: Adult Health Form - Medical consent form - Information leaflet on the application for an SGO in relation to a child - Updated viability assessment proforma

2 In order to support the completion of the DBS checks, each office will be supplied with portable scanners which Social Workers will be able to use within the applicants homes in order to scan the relevant Identification documentation for the completion of the DBS application.

A supply of Adult Health Forms will be provided to each office by FPS – Further supplies can be obtained directly from them, when required.

If you require any further clarification on the content of this briefing note, please discuss with a member of your local management team, FPS or Jen Harrison (Case Progression Manager).