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Assessment policy and practice

Assessment policy and practice

Assessment is a key process that allows social workers to make sense of the child’s situation and the nature and extent of their needs, so they can make a professional judgement on the best intervention to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.

Risk assessment is a key feature of social work.

The CSFH risk assessment practice guidance for social workers provides information on when to carry out risk assessments, what information to include and analysing risk to inform decisions.

Research in Practice have produced guidance on assessing risk of further child maltreatment using the Jones model.

Assessing risk of further child maltreatment

Last updated: 23 February 2026