The Process

From instruction to filing

Straightforward, predictable, and designed to work within your court timescales.

Instruction

I receive the LOI and court bundle. Quote provided within one business day.

Planning

Assessment plan and interview schedule provided within two business days.

Assessment

Interviews, observations, professional checks, and analysis to the agreed timetable.

Filing

Report filed five days before deadline. Available for oral evidence.

What I Offer

Assessment types in detail

Parenting Assessments (ParentAssess)

Comprehensive parenting capacity assessments using the ParentAssess framework. I've completed over 100 of these within care and pre-proceedings, covering every domain relevant to a child's welfare.

  • Basic care, health, and hygiene
  • Emotional warmth and attunement
  • Safety, protection, and risk awareness
  • Education, stimulation, and boundaries
  • Daily living skills and parental functioning
  • Support networks and specific risk factors

At a glance

  • Framework: ParentAssess
  • Proceedings: Public and private law
  • Completed: 100+
  • Includes: Interviews, observations, professional checks, analysis, recommendations
  • Output: Court-compliant report with closing letter

Risk Assessments

Forensic risk assessments examining identified risks of harm. I've produced 40+ for the Family Court covering the full spectrum of harm categories.

  • Physical harm and non-accidental injury
  • Emotional harm and psychological abuse
  • Sexual harm
  • Neglect
  • Domestic abuse (including DVRIM)
  • Substance misuse and its impact on parenting

At a glance

  • Training: Forensic Risk Assessment
  • DVRIM: Barnardo's certified
  • Completed: 40+
  • Includes: Risk identification, analysis, protective factors, risk management

SGO & Connected Persons

Special guardianship suitability and connected persons assessments for prospective kinship carers using the Form C, Form K (2025 model), and Form F frameworks.

  • Identity, health, and education of the child
  • Family composition and household dynamics
  • Parenting capacity of the prospective carer
  • Motivation and understanding of the order
  • Support networks and risk analysis

At a glance

  • Frameworks: Form C, Form K (2025), Form F
  • Accreditation: Kinship Care Form K
  • Scope: Connected persons, Reg 24, family and friends
  • Includes: DBS, references, home assessment, support plan

Capacity to Protect (CASP-R)

Structured assessment of a parent's or carer's capacity to protect children from identified risks. CASP-R trained with advanced Masterclass certification.

  • Recognition and understanding of risk
  • Willingness and ability to act protectively
  • Capacity to sustain protective behaviours
  • Responsiveness to professional guidance
  • Impact of the protective parent's own history

At a glance

  • Framework: CASP-R
  • Training: Advanced Masterclass certified
  • Context: Often paired with risk or parenting assessment
  • Output: Protective capacity analysis with recommendations

Sibling & Together or Apart

Assessment of sibling relationships, attachment, and the benefits and risks of joint or separate placement.

  • Quality and nature of sibling relationships
  • Attachment patterns between siblings
  • Impact of separation on each child
  • Benefits and risks of joint placement
  • Contact recommendations if separated

At a glance

  • Framework: Together or Apart
  • Includes: Individual and joint observations, school and carer views
  • Output: Placement recommendations with rationale

Viability Assessments

Initial viability and Regulation 24 assessments for prospective carers identified during proceedings, including international placements.

  • Motivation and willingness to care
  • Household suitability
  • Initial safeguarding checks
  • Capacity to meet the child's needs
  • Recommendation on progression

At a glance

  • Scope: Viability, Reg 24, initial connected persons
  • Turnaround: Typically 2–4 weeks
  • Coverage: National and international

Section 7 & Section 37 Reports

Court-directed welfare reports under the Children Act 1989 for both public and private law proceedings.

  • Analysis against the Welfare Checklist
  • Wishes and feelings of the child
  • Assessment of each party's proposals
  • Risk and protective factors
  • Clear recommendations to the court

At a glance

  • Legislation: Children Act 1989, s.7 and s.37
  • Proceedings: Public and private law
  • Includes: Interviews, observations, analysis, recommendations

Family Mediation

Mediation-trained and drawing on a Diploma in Counselling, I can help parents and carers work towards agreed arrangements for their children outside of contested court proceedings. A constructive, child-focused approach where both parties are willing to engage.

  • Child arrangements (living and contact)
  • Parenting plans and shared care schedules
  • Communication and co-parenting strategies
  • Transition planning following separation
  • Person-centred, counselling-informed approach

At a glance

  • Training: Family Mediation, Diploma in Counselling
  • Context: Private and court-referred
  • Approach: Child-focused, person-centred, counselling-informed
  • Availability: In person or remote sessions

McKenzie Friend

Court support for litigants in person who are navigating Family Court proceedings without legal representation. I provide practical assistance to help you understand the process, prepare your documents, and present your case clearly and effectively.

  • Explaining court procedures and legal terminology
  • Helping organise and prepare court documents
  • Taking notes during hearings
  • Providing moral support and quiet guidance in court
  • Helping you understand orders and next steps

At a glance

  • For: Litigants in person (unrepresented parties)
  • Proceedings: Private and public law Family Court
  • Role: Support and assistance, not legal representation
  • Experience: 100+ oral evidence appearances, deep understanding of Family Court process
Full Range

Everything I offer

ParentAssess
Forensic Risk Assessment
SGO Suitability
CASP-R (Capacity to Protect)
Together or Apart
Viability Assessment
Connected Persons
Section 7 Report
Section 37 Report
Regulation 24
Form F (Fostering)
Form C
Form K (2025 Model)
DVRIM
CUBAS
Best Interest Assessment (BIA)
Merton Age Assessment
Risk / Protector Assessment
Contact Assessment
Family Mediation
McKenzie Friend

Need an assessment?

Get in touch and I'll come back to you within one business day with a quote and availability.