Norfolk Children's Services kinship offer
Kinship assessment team
The Norfolk kinship assessment team is a multi-disciplinary team that works closely with social workers and families to identify people who can offer practical support to children living with their parents.
Their primary role is to enable the children to remain with their parents, however if this is not possible then they work with the family to identify alternative people who may be care for the children.
The social workers in this team complete:
- Viability assessments
- Special guardianship assessments
- Connected carers assessments
Viability assessments
A viability assessment is a short assessment to gather information relating to your life and whoever else lives with you. This involves an overview of your work history, finances, your relationships with the parents and child and with your family. Police checks on all adults in the home will also be carried out.
More information about viability assessments on the Special Guardianship Info website.
Special guardianship assessments
A special guardianship assessment is a more in-depth assessment about your skills as a potential carer for the child. You will be asked more in-depth and probing questions about you and your relationships. You will need to provide references. A full Data Barring Service (DBS) check will also need to be completed for all adults in your household. The assessment is to check for any safeguarding concerns and to highlight what additional support might be needed for you or for the child.
Providing carers with the support needed achieves the best outcome for everyone involved. All special guardians have a support plan, bespoke to the needs of the carers and the individual child.
More information about special guardianship assessments on the Special Guardianship Support website.
Connected carers assessments
A connected carers assessment ensures you can provide a safe and secure home for a child in your social circle. You must be approved as a foster carer to be a connected carer for that child.
More information about connected carers assessments on the Family Rights Group website.