Family Engage UK delivers specialist independent social work assessments across England, conducted by qualified and experienced Independent Social Workers (ISWs) registered with Social Work England. Our assessments are rigorous, impartial, and produced to the highest professional and legal standards — designed for use by courts, local authorities, and care planning teams.
We approach every assessment with sensitivity, thoroughness, and a commitment to understanding the lived experience of the individuals and families involved. Our reports are consistently commended for their quality, clarity, and independence.
Why Choose Family Engage UK for Assessments?
No prior involvement with the case; no conflict of interest.
All assessments comply with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and case law.
All assessors are registered with Social Work England and hold relevant professional qualifications.
Our ISWs are experienced in providing expert witness evidence in Family Court proceedings.
We agree realistic timescales at the outset and communicate proactively throughout.
We can assess families across England, in-person and remotely as appropriate.
Our practitioners approach every assessment with sensitivity to trauma and lived experience.
Our Assessment Types
Parenting Capacity Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation of a parent or carer’s ability to meet a child’s physical, emotional, developmental, and safeguarding needs. Assesses parenting strengths and difficulties, identifies areas of risk, and makes evidence-based recommendations for support or intervention. Used in both private and public law proceedings.
Risk Assessment
Assesses potential risks to a child’s safety and wellbeing from parents, guardians, or others involved in their life — including risks relating to domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health, and other safeguarding concerns. Provides a clear analysis of risk factors and protective factors to inform decision-making.
Special Guardian Order (SGO)
Conducted for individuals applying to become Special Guardians for a child. Evaluates the applicant’s suitability, ability, and long-term commitment to providing stable, loving care for the child outside of adoption. Complies with the Special Guardianship Regulations 2005.
Viability Assessment
A preliminary assessment to determine whether a family member, close friend, or other connected person could potentially care for a child in the future. Commonly used in the early stages of care proceedings to identify potential carers quickly and effectively.
Kinship/Connected Person Assessment
Assesses the suitability of a relative or close family friend to care for a child, particularly where a child cannot safely remain with their birth parents. Includes a full household assessment and evaluation of the proposed carer’s capacity to meet the child’s needs long-term.
Sibling Assessment
Examines sibling relationships to determine whether it is in each child’s best interest to be placed together or separately in care, foster, or adoption placements. Child-centred and relationship-focused, giving weight to each child’s attachment and individual needs.
Parent Assessment
A specialised, structured assessment tool designed for parents and carers with learning difficulties or additional needs. Assesses parenting capacity in an accessible, inclusive, and comprehensive manner — ensuring that assessments are fair and proportionate for individuals who may struggle with more traditional assessment formats.
Fostering Assessment
Evaluates individuals or families applying to become foster carers, ensuring they meet all relevant criteria and can provide a safe, nurturing, and child-centred home. Each assessment is thorough, evidence-based, and tailored to the specific needs of the prospective carer and the children they may be asked to care for.
Section 7 Reports
An independent report prepared for the Family Court under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989. Provides an expert analysis of the child’s circumstances and welfare, and makes evidence-based recommendations regarding the child’s living arrangements and contact — taking full account of the Welfare Checklist.
Mental Capacity Assessment
A formal assessment under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, determining whether an individual has the capacity to make specific decisions about their care, finances, residence, or contact. Conducted in accordance with the statutory principles of the MCA 2005 and the accompanying Code of Practice.
Best Interest Assessment
Where an individual lacks capacity, a Best Interest Assessment determines what course of action is in their best interests. Conducted within the legal framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), including consideration of the person’s wishes, feelings, and circumstances.
Referral Process for Assessment
We acknowledge all referrals within one working day and respond promptly to discuss timescales, fees, and arrangements.
Fees and Timescales
| Assessment Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Assessment | 6–8 weeks from instruction |
| Expedited Assessment | 3–5 weeks (subject to availability) |
| Urgent Assessment | 1–2 weeks (subject to availability and complexity) |
| Fees | Available on request — please contact us to discuss |
What Professionals say
The parenting assessment provided by Family Engage UK was thorough, balanced, and exceptionally well-written. It was clear the assessor had built a genuine rapport with the family while maintaining full independence.
— Solicitor, Family Law (London)
We have used Family Engage UK for a number of viability and kinship assessments. Their turnaround times are excellent and the quality of reports is consistently high.
— Social Worker, Children’s Services
Our Partners
