Our Intensive Parenting Assessments (IPA) are dynamic assessments,
completed in the community. The IPA offers a minimum of 2.5 days of
assessment each week, including extended periods of contact, with direct
teaching and support offered.
Families are assessed with a minimum of two ISWs (one being the lead
assessor) and a minimum of one FSW.
The IPAs are planned to safely support and assess the parent in their home (where appropriate) and in the community. If the home is not suitable, we are able to source appropriate venues local to the child.
The IPA has a number of benefits when considering care planning for the child and their placement needs. These assessments are ‘bridging the gap’ between residential and standard parenting assessments. They are child focused and cost effective.
• No risk of placement breakdown, the parent(s) and child(ren) can
remain in their current placements together or apart.
• A minimum of 2.5 days each week of supervised contact, assessment,
teaching and modelling.
• Reduces the need for a residential placement and/or can bridge the gap between a residential and rehabilitation into the community.
• Cost effective and prevents delay as parents can learn new skills and adapt within the assessment period.
• Suitable for all parents, with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.
• Support and teaching can be tailored to meet the needs of each family.
• Assessors have a range of additional skills and training including
PAMS, ParentAssess, and skills that will be matched with each family.
• Each team of assessors will consist of a lead assessor, Erica or
Sarah, a second ISW and an allocated Family Support Worker.
• This assessment is robust, will provide a midway report at the 6-week
point, will offer an informed plan of support for the second 6-week
block of time. It will prevent further community assessment after 12
weeks.
• Assessments can take place within the family home (if suitable),
community and a range of suitable venues.
• The IPA will test and assess parents in a safe and child focused
environment.
The cost of the assessment will be determined by the number of sessions and needs of the family. The average cost of our standard IPA (see IPA proposal) is less than £1500 each week. These assessments have been used by the Courts and feedback from families and professionals has been positive.
To discuss our assessment packages and your individual requirements please contact us.