What if Children's Services decide to do an initial assessment?

Once a referral has been made to Children's Services and it is decided that an initial assessment should take place, Children's Services then have 7 days to carry out the assessment. In practice this sometimes takes longer. The initial assessment is usually kept brief and is to determine:

• whether the child is in need;

• if other services are required; and

• whether a further investigation should take place.

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