Assessments

 

Mental Capacity Assessments

When is a Mental Capacity Assessment needed?

A mental capacity assessment is needed when there is a reason to believe that an individual might not be able to make a specific decision at a particular time due to an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of their mind or brain. This can include conditions such as dementia, brain injury, mental health disorders, learning disabilities, or the effects of substance misuse. The assessment is typically carried out to determine whether the person can understand, retain, weigh up information, and communicate their decision effectively. Mental capacity assessments are often required in situations where important decisions need to be made, such as managing finances, consenting to medical treatment, or determining living arrangements. It is always conducted in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring the person is supported to make a decision wherever possible and that their rights are protected.

Can the individual make the specific decision?

Our mental capacity assessments focus on evaluating whether an individual has the ability to make a specific decision for themselves. We assess factors such as understanding the decision at hand, weighing options, and communicating their choice effectively.

Can they understand information relevant to the decision?

Understanding the information relevant to a decision is crucial in determining mental capacity. We conduct a thorough assessments to gauge an individual's comprehension of the information presented to them and their ability to process and apply it effectively.

Can they retain information relevant to the decision?

Retaining information essential to a decision is another key aspect of mental capacity. Using the information in order to make an inform a decision.

 

ParentAssess

What is ParentAssess?

ParentAssess is a tool created by Sarah Lowe in 2016 to help parents with learning disabilities or other challenges. It makes the assessment process simpler and ensures parents stay involved every step of the way.

The assessment uses a traffic light system with red, amber, and green to clearly show a parent's strengths and areas that need improvement. This makes it easier for both parents and professionals to see where changes are needed. ParentAssess also gives parents chances to show progress, learn new skills, and improve how they care for their child.

Who uses ParentAssess?

ParentAssess is done by a trained ParentAssess social worker. The assessment can happen either in a mother and baby placement or within the community. It's usually requested to check if a parent is able to properly care for their child when there are concerns. ParentAssess can be used to assess parents at different stages of support by Children's Social Services.

  • Pre-birth Assessment
  • Early Help
  • Pre-proceedings
  • Care Proceedings
  • Reunification 

Why ParentAssess?

ParentAssess is a trusted parenting assessment tool used across the UK, including by Local Authorities and parent-child residential services. It’s built to save time and cut costs, with assessments typically taking 8-12 weeks, depending on the parents level of complexity, number of children, parents being assessed and the family's support network. 

ParentAssess is especially helpful for parents with learning disabilities or additional needs. It uses clear language and visual aids to make things easier. This approach reduces stress, encourages parents to take part, and offers feedback that’s easy to understand. The tool also considers cultural and personal differences to ensure the process is fair. At the end, parents receive a straightforward, easy-to-read assessment summary.

Does the parent need to have a disability to be assess by using the ParentAssess Tool?

Parent Assess is a parenting assessment, which can assess parents with learning disabilities but is adaptable to assess parents with a range of abilities.  It not only evaluates parenting skills but also provides tailored recommendations to help parents improve and thrive as a parent.  The assessment process takes into account cultural, social, and emotional factors that may impact parenting, ensuring results are fair and reflective of each family's unique dynamics. This holistic approach allows for better understanding and support for parents from diverse backgrounds.