We use assessment and eligibility criteria to decide who can receive care and support from Devon Social Services.

From an assessment and by using eligibility criteria we can ensure that any services are directed at those with the greatest need and at the highest risk.

An assessment follows after you, or someone else on your behalf, has asked Devon Social Services for help with some difficulty you are having which affects your child (or children).

Before we can help, we need to know more about you and your family. This involves collecting information, talking this through with you and agreeing what might be done.

Through making an assessment of your situation, it should be possible to see what help and support you and your family might need, and who could best give that help.

In line with the Department of Health's Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, an assessment will look at:

• the difficulty a child or young person and their family has ensuring that his or her developmental, social and welfare needs are met;
• the help and support available to the child or young person and their family;

and

• any additional help or support from other agencies which the child and their family may require

In order to make an accurate assessment we will need as much information as possible about a child or young person's health, development and care needs.

We may ask other professional people such as doctors, community nurses and health visitors to provide information as part of the assessment.

We will always seek agreement before contacting others unless, by doing so, someone will be placed at risk of harm or abuse.

Also on devon.gov.uk

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