The Family Assessment
Context
One of a series of practice tools designed to support the implementation of the Assessment Framework in England (Department of Health, Cox and Bentovim (2000) The Family Assessment Pack of Questionnaires and Scales. London: TSO.)
Purpose
- Assessments with more complex families to plan support and other interventions
- Assessing change over time
- Specialist assessments relating to:
- the reunification of children with families
- therapeutic work
- permanency planning
- court proceedings and other decision-making forums
Features
- Systematic, evidence-based approach to assessing family life and relationships, including:
- family dynamics
- family adaptability
- parenting
- how family members communicate, handle feelings, relate to each other and approach crucial issues of identity
- the impact of family history
Benefits
- Provides a model for understanding, describing and assessing family strengths and difficulties and family competencies
- Adaptable to suit a range of purposes
- Suitable for use by a wide range of professionals
- Provides a range of approaches for engaging with and talking to families about their lives together
- Emphasis on giving all family members a ‘voice’
- Promotes reflective practice
Learn more
Learn more about training for groups of staff in the use of The Family Assessment: