The following information gives brief details of what each of our expert family safety assessments includes; as specialists in complex cases our assessors have expertise in a number of areas and can answer further questions on issues such as: substance misuse, HBV, female perpetrators, cultural imperatives, non-English speakers, criminality, same sex relationships and multiple parent cases. 

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Please note that only risk assessments of perpetrators are available for cases in private law (contact or residency) proceedings.

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Risk assessment of perpetrator - Assesses the risk towards the victim and children from the domestic abuse perpetrator. This includes an interview with both the perpetrator and victim, wherever possible. The report will include:

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• developmental risk indicators, such as history of trauma, childhood exposure to abuse; ​

• static risk indicators, such as lethality, use of weapons and history of violence;

• dynamic risk factors, such as denial of culpability, remorse and victim empathy;

• history of domestic abuse and the likely impact on the child/ren;

• likelihood of further exposure of the child/ren to domestic violence;

• parent’s understanding of the impact of the domestic abuse on children;

• situational factors that may have contributed to domestic violence risks;

• prognosis for treatment and a risk management plan.

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Vulnerability assessment of victim/survivor - Alongside identifying vulnerability to future abuse, the impact of the abuse on the victim’s parenting will also be assessed. The report will include:

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• parent's background, including exposure to abuse as a child and any violence in previous relationships;

• history of domestic abuse and the likely impact on the child/ren; 

• likelihood of further exposure of the child/ren to domestic violence;

• understanding of the impact of the domestic violence on children;

• dynamic vulnerability indicators, including ability to assess risk and

• prioritise safety, ability to access support and understanding of domestic abuse;

• situational factors that may have contributed to domestic violence risks;

• recommendations for risk management strategies and treatment/intervention options.

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Joint risk and vulnerability assessment of both parents – An assessment of both parents (please note that all clients are seen separately), including all the elements of risk and vulnerability assessments outlined above, but also:

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• a clear picture of the dynamics of the relationship, including the principal sources of risk and danger; 

• the likelihood of separation/reconciliation; 

• the particular safeguarding issues raised by the parental relationship;

• a risk management plan for each member of the family.

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Third-party carer (Special Guardianship) assessment – Examines whether any potential carer has an adequate understanding of domestic abuse and their ability to protect the children in their care. Including:

 

• the impact of domestic abuse on the child/children; 

• the ongoing risks; 

• ability to protect the children under specific circumstances (for people being considered as alternative carers).

 

Family assessment – Considers other domestic abusers in the home, for example older adolescents or other adults. This assessment will include interviews with all parties, with the assessment report providing the following:

 

• static and dynamic risk and vulnerability indicators;

• identification of risks and the principal source of danger; 

• recommendation of risk management strategies and treatment options.