Available for instruction across England & Wales

Assessments the court can rely on, filed before they are due.

I'm Vince Peart, an Independent Social Worker. I write parenting, kinship, risk and sibling assessments for the Family Court, and family-impact reports for the Immigration Tribunal. Every report is built on what I have seen and tested, and is written so the court can test every conclusion.

250+ independent assessments
100+ occasions giving oral evidence
5 days early is my working standard

Make a referral → See the assessments

Being assessed, or putting yourself forward for a child? Start here.

Social Work England SWE93532

PD25B and FPR Part 25 compliant

BASW Independents Committee

Nagalro Council

Coram BAAF, Resolution, ACPP

Enhanced DBS, PI insured

100+

ParentAssess assessments

Local authority areas

13+

Years post-qualification

About Me

The perspective few practitioners can offer

I've sat on every side of the Family Court process: as the assessing social worker, the supervising manager, and the Children's Guardian scrutinising the work. That means I understand what the court expects from expert evidence.

Before going independent, I worked as a Team Manager, Deputy Manager, Advanced Practitioner, and Children's Guardian for Cafcass across the North East. More than thirteen years post-qualification, I bring that breadth of experience into every assessment I write.

More about me → Download my CV →

Court-ready reports

My working standard is filing five days before the filing deadline. Compliant with PD25B and FPR Part 25.

200+ children

Direct work including Life Story Work, Later Life Letters, and Social Stories.

National coverage

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Available across England and Wales. International assessments by arrangement.

Media commentator

Interviewed by Sky News and the BBC. Quoted by The Times, The Guardian, and The Mail.

Services

What I can help with

I'm certified and experienced in each of the assessment frameworks below.

Parenting Assessments

ParentAssess framework. Over 100 completed within care and pre-proceedings, covering all domains of parenting capacity.

Risk Assessments

Forensic risk assessments covering physical, emotional, and sexual harm, neglect, domestic abuse, and substance misuse.

SGO & Connected Persons

Special guardianship suitability, connected persons, and kinship assessments using Form K, the framework in use since 2025, alongside Form C and Form F.

Capacity to Protect

CASP-R trained with advanced Masterclass. Structured assessment of protective capacity against identified risks.

Together or Apart & Viability

Viability assessments, Regulation 24, and Together or Apart sibling assessments, including international placements.

Immigration Tribunal Reports

Carer impact, family impact of deportation and best interests reports for the Immigration and Asylum Chamber. Fixed, all-inclusive fees from £1,450 and a report date confirmed within one working day. Details and fees.

All assessment types, rates and typical hours →

Feedback

What the court and the profession say

It always reassures me when you do an assessment as I know you will fairly consider all aspects of a case.

Local authority team manager

The court is well aware of the quality and robust nature of Mr Peart's work.

Judge

We are extremely grateful for the diligence and flexibility with which Mr Peart has worked, far exceeding expectations.

Barrister

Read all twelve pieces of feedback →

For Families

If you're being assessed

If you've been told that an independent social worker has been appointed to assess you, you may be worried about what happens next. This is what to expect.

My role is to understand your situation honestly and fairly, not to catch you out. I'll meet with you, usually at your home, talk with you about your life and your children, and listen to what matters to you. I'll also speak with the professionals who know your family, and spend time with your children where appropriate.

Everything I write will be based on what I actually see and hear. I don't arrive with a view already formed. At the end of the process, I'll write you a personal letter explaining my findings and recommendations in straightforward language, not just legal jargon.

If you have any questions at any point, you're welcome to ask me directly, or speak with your solicitor.

If you need someone to supervise time between a child and a parent, I also offer supervised contact across the North East.

Read the full guide: What to expect from an independent assessment →
Read the full guide: How to prepare for your assessment →

In the Media

Regularly asked to comment on children's social care

I've been interviewed by Sky News and the BBC on multiple occasions, and quoted by The Times, The Guardian, and The Mail on stories involving children's social care. Founder of Social Work World. Formerly Content Editor at Social Work News. Contributing author at Community Care. Press enquiries and a broadcast bio →