Kinship assessment process
A full kinship assessment helps the local authority and the court decide whether you can safely care for a child.
Temporary approval
In some situations, a child can be placed with you while the full assessment is completed. Temporary approval usually lasts up to 16 weeks and can be extended to 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances.
What does the assessment involve
The assessment involves the following:
- information about the child and their family
- information about you and your household
- the child's wishes and feelings
- your ability to care for the child until adulthood
- the child's safety and wellbeing
- the impact on everyone involved
- family time arrangements
- your financial circumstances
Statutory checks
The following statutory checks are completed during the assessment:
- local authority checks
- medical and health assessments
- personal references
- employment references
- DBS checks
- checks with other relevant agencies and professionals