Care Managers:
Are qualified social workers responsible for overseeing the assessment process.  They have a wealth of experience of working with children and families in a variety of settings.

Assessment Workers:
All qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Care and have qualifications that include NNEB and Degree levels in child related studies.

Waking Night:
All qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Care.

Administrative Assistant:
RSA I and RSA 2 Typing, Northern Counties 1, 2 and 3 in Typing.

Domestic:
Relevant duties.

Endorsements

Social Worker's Comments

"I bring to your attention the case of baby T. A pre-birth conference was held because of concerns about the learning disability (IQ = 55) of the mother, S, the historical upbringing of S by her own mother, as well as S's past care history; and because the father of the baby was a well know Schedule 1 offender who has a history of manipulation and violence towards a number of other women.

Initially S was suspicious and frightened that Social Services were determined to take her baby into care. She displayed an explosive temper, refusing to engage with social workers throughout her pregnancy, although she kept all her medical appointments. A series of professional meetings throughout her pregnancy persuaded S, very reluctantly, to undergo an assessment at Tudor House.

Without the flexible approach shown by the staff at Tudor House S would not have had the confidence to undergo the assessment.

The outstanding success of this case, to present, has been due, first of all, to a collective family effort; second, to close multi-agency working together; and third, to the sensitive, astute and flexible assessment by all the Tudor House workers, in particular by the Tudor House Case Manager. They were instrumental in overcoming a wall of fear, suspicion and inadequacy on the part of the family.

In the best meaning of the phrase "working together", this has been an outstanding example of multi-agency professionals and the family all pulling together, overcoming all sorts of obstacles, to make the best possible start for this child. At the next child protection review it is likely that the child will be deregistered."

     J M, Social Worker

Service Users' Comments

"Because of you I am able to take my baby home and have a second chance to be a Mum. Thank you for all your help and support while we've been here, you are a great laugh. All the best, love R and E."

"Thank you for helping us, from S and M."

"I would like to say thank you for all the help you gave C. The day B was taken from the hospital was the worst day of my life; I have never known such pain. Now, because of your help and C's hard work, we have the chance of getting B back home with a family who love him. I cannot find the words to thank you for everything. I wish I could repay you in some way but the only thing I can do is tell you B will be brought up in a loving family and will be taught right from wrong. With many thanks, D."

Solicitor's Comments

"Sadly, there are occasions when one or both parents are unable to meet the needs of their children. Social Services often become involved with such families and the drastic steps of removing a child from the parent's care is sometimes the only option available to protect the child. The residential family assessment centre at Tudor House provides a valuable lifeline to families who would otherwise face the separation of children from their parents. This facility is an option for Social Services, parents and the Family Courts to consider.

I am often involved in referring families to Tudor House for assessment and will continue to do so for the following reasons. Where there are concerns raised regarding parents' ability to care for or protect a child, and there is a risk that the child will be separated from parents, it is the child who deserves the opportunity for a safe assessment of their parents' ability to provide for their needs. Whether they will do so consistently is often revealed clearly through residential assessment.

What I do know is that there will be a thorough independent assessment by experienced professionals confident to state why they disagree with me, the parents, the Social Worker, or with the other professionals involved with the family. Accordingly, Tudor House offers a unique opportunity for children and for independent assessment in a safe environment where parents have the opportunity to learn or develop new skills.

This precious resource needs to be encouraged and supported for the benefit of children and families whose past life experiences are often quite different to those of many others."

     D D, Solicitor