Clear, robust evidence focused on the child's best interests
Our experienced Independent Social Workers provide court-compliant assessments and expert evidence for courts, local authorities, solicitors and individuals.
Request an assessment
Independent, analytical and child-centred
We bring professional independence to complex family, safeguarding and legal circumstances. Our work considers risk, strengths, identity, relationships and the child's lived experience before setting out clear conclusions and recommendations.
Expert evidence types
What we provide
Family & Parenting Assessments
PAMS / Parent Assess parenting assessments
Structured assessment of parenting capacity and the day-to-day care a parent can offer.
Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments
Full assessments of connected carers putting themselves forward for special guardianship.
Viability / Connected Persons assessments
Early screening of family members and friends as potential carers for a child.
Sibling assessments
Analysis of the relationships, attachments and living arrangements between brothers and sisters.
Form F fostering assessments and PARs
Assessments of fostering applicants, completed on the required format.
Court & Statutory Reports
Section 7 and Section 37 court reports
Court-directed reporting prepared in line with Children Act 1989 requirements.
Specialist risk assessments
Focused analysis of specific risks to children within family and household settings.
Immigration & Human Rights
Immigration and human rights social work reports
Expert evidence in deportation appeals, asylum, private and family life and human rights cases, compliant with Practice Directions 35 and 10.
Age assessments
Careful, structured assessment of a young person's age where it is in dispute.
Best interests assessments
Including the impact of separation on children and vulnerable family members. We may accept Legal Aid funded instructions.
Specialist & International Assessments
International Connected Carer assessments
Assessment of relatives and carers living outside the UK, completed with cultural sensitivity.
Support for separated migrant children
Expert assessments, including on an emergency basis, helping local authorities meet their duties to Looked After Children.
International assessments
We complete assessments for children and families with international connections across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and the Americas. Work is undertaken with cultural sensitivity and adherence to relevant Home Office guidance.
Our standard
All Independent Social Workers are registered with Social Work England, hold an enhanced DBS and have references from previous employers.
Looking for support with an Ofsted-regulated children's home instead? That is a separate service from this assessment work — view our Ofsted children's home consultancy.
Confidential enquiries welcome