Social workers are here to support you and your family. They listen to your views, understand your needs, and help make positive changes in your life.
How social workers can help:
- listen to your story and understand your experiences
- be available when you need to talk
- recognise your strengths and help you build on them
- explore what changes could improve your life
- work with you and your family to create a plan for support
Care assessment information for children and young people
What is an assessment?
An assessment is not a test. It’s a way for your social worker to understand what your life is like and what support you might need. It’s about working together to make things better.
Your social worker will talk to you, your family, and possibly your teacher, doctor or youth worker. Together, you’ll decide what help is right for you.
Why is an assessment happening?
An assessment is taking place because you, your family or someone else has asked for help to address your problems.
How long will it take?
Most assessments take between two weeks and two months. Your social worker will explain what type of assessment you’re having and how long it will take.
What will happen?
You’ll meet a social worker who will lead the assessment. They will ask for your permission to share information with others if needed.
Everything you say is confidential. But if your social worker thinks someone is in danger, they may need to tell someone else. They will always talk to you about this first.
Your social worker will write a report based on what they’ve learned. If you don’t agree with something in the report, you can add your own comments.
Support for your needs
If you need help in your first language or have cultural or religious needs, let us know. We respect everyone’s identity, including your:
- culture
- religion
- gender
- language
- sexuality
- disability
- special needs
What happens next?
Once your needs are clear, your social worker will create a plan to support you. You’ll get a copy of this plan.
What you need to do
Be honest about how you feel. Tell us what’s going well and what’s difficult. This helps us support you better.
What you can expect from us
We will:
- listen to you
- answer your questions
- explain what’s happening
- offer advice and support
- keep your information private (unless someone is at risk)
If you have questions about your assessment, speak to your social worker.