3.1 Introduction

Assessment is the process of information gathering and analysis for the purpose of making a decision.

The following information will enable you to assess:

• immediate safety factors
• risk indicators of the possibility of future maltreatment
• social information and functioning of the family
• the need for any specialized assessments/evaluations
• ongoing evaluation of family progress and status

Assessment drives decision-making. We make an assessment in order to make sound, well-grounded decisions. Neither service delivery nor problem solving can be effectively done without first doing an assessment.

Assessments are used throughout the life of a case to determine:

• whether the child is safe
• what must change and what actions are needed to facilitate change
• the child's and family's immediate service needs (food, clothing, shelter, medical services, etc.)
• whether services from the Department are appropriate
• when to step up or step down and intervention
• when to end Department involvement