Tameside Safeguarding Framework
Appendix 3 - Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need
Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need
Assessing whether a child is in need and the nature of these needs requires a systematic approach which uses the same framework or conceptual map for gathering and analysing information about all children and their families, but discriminates effectively between different types and levels of need. The framework in this guidance is developed from the legislative foundation of the Children Act 1989 and principles derived from extensive research and practice knowledge which is outlined in the practice guidance (Department of Health, 2000a). It requires a thorough understanding of:
- the developmental needs of children;
- the capacities of parents or caregivers to respond appropriately to those needs;
- the impact of wider family and environmental factors on parenting capacity and children.
These are described as three inter-related systems or domains, each of which has a number of critical dimensions (Figure 3). The interaction or the influence of these dimensions on each other requires careful exploration during assessment, with the ultimate aim being to understand how they affect the child or children in the family.
Figure 3 - Assessment Triangle
