At Every Step Social Care , we provide independent social work assessments that help families, local authorities, and courts make safe, child-focused decisions.
Quick, independent checks to see if relatives or connected persons can safely care for a child, offering clarity early in care proceedings.
Thorough evaluations of applicants who wish to provide long-term, stable care for a child under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO).
Evidence-based assessments of a parent’s ability to meet their child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs, ensuring decisions put the child first.
Sensitive evaluations of sibling bonds and compatibility, guiding decisions about whether brothers and sisters should remain together or apart.
Independent assessments of contact arrangements to ensure family time is safe, positive, and always in the child’s best interests.
When a child cannot remain with their parents, extended family or close friends are often considered as alternative carers. However, it’s crucial to quickly and accurately assess whether they can provide safe, stable, and nurturing care. Without this, children risk facing uncertainty, unnecessary delays, or placements that may not meet their long-term needs.
We deliver independent, timely viability assessments that explore whether relatives or connected persons are suitable to care for a child. Our reports highlight both the strengths and areas of concern, giving local authorities and courts a clear indication of whether a full assessment is appropriate. Every evaluation is evidence-based, sensitive, and designed to support swift decision-making in the child’s best interests.
Fast, impartial, and thorough assessments
Child-centred approach that prioritises safety and wellbeing
Trusted by local authorities and family courts for clarity and reliability
Some children require a permanent and stable home outside of parental care. A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) offers long-term security while maintaining family connections. Assessing whether applicants are ready and able to take on this lifelong commitment is critical to ensuring stability and preventing future placement breakdowns.
Our comprehensive Special Guardianship assessments consider every aspect of the applicant’s ability to meet a child’s needs — physically, emotionally, socially, and financially. We explore their motivations, parenting capacity, understanding of the commitment, and the support systems they may need. The goal is always to safeguard the child while supporting guardians to succeed.
Independent, holistic, and thorough evaluations
Sensitive exploration of family dynamics and commitment
Clear, balanced recommendations that support long-term placement success
Decisions about whether children can remain in the care of their parents are some of the most difficult in social work. Without a robust, evidence-based parenting assessment, children may remain at risk, or families may be unfairly separated. A clear, professional assessment ensures every decision is made with the child’s welfare at the centre.
We provide detailed parenting assessments that evaluate a parent’s capacity to meet their child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Our independent social workers assess strengths, risks, and areas for support, providing courts and local authorities with balanced, factual insights. The process is conducted with respect and sensitivity, ensuring that parents are heard while children remain protected.
Evidence-based and impartial reporting
Experienced assessors with strong child-protection expertise
Balanced recommendations that reflect both strengths and risks
For children entering care, the question of whether siblings should remain together or apart is deeply significant. These decisions affect emotional bonds, attachment, and long-term wellbeing. Without careful assessment, children may lose essential relationships or remain in placements that don’t support their best interests.
Our sibling assessments explore the nature and strength of sibling relationships, including attachment, compatibility, and the potential impact of placement decisions. We provide clear, sensitive guidance to inform whether siblings should be placed together or separately, always prioritising the emotional and developmental needs of each child.
Maintaining contact with family is often vital for children in care — but it must be safe, positive, and in the child’s best interests. Without proper risk assessment, contact can expose children to emotional or physical harm, or undermine their progress in care.
We carry out risk assessments around family time, evaluating the safety, suitability, and impact of contact with parents or relatives. Our assessments consider the child’s needs, the history of family relationships, and any protective or risk factors. The outcome is clear guidance on whether, and how, family time can be managed safely and positively.
Independent assessments rooted in safeguarding and child welfare
Balanced, practical recommendations for safe and meaningful contact
Trusted by local authorities to inform contact arrangements with clarity
Our assessments are trusted by local authorities and courts because they are transparent, balanced, and free from bias.
Every evaluation keeps the child’s safety, wellbeing, and long-term needs at the heart of the process.
Our experienced social workers combine professional insight with sensitivity, ensuring even the most complex family situations are assessed with care and respect.
💙A UCL study found that 1 in 4 children in England will need social care before turning 18.
From crisis to confidence, these are the voices of people who remind us why care matters.
Contact us today for a free, friendly consultation.
At EveryStepSocialCare, we deliver compassionate social care across all ages — from children and families to adults and independent living. Our tailored support empowers people to live safely, confidently, and with dignity.
Dignity, growth, and daily support
Empowering lives through independence
Insightful, fair, family-focused evaluations
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Our independent social workers are not influenced by local authority pressures. Every assessment is handled professionally, ethically, and with empathy, ensuring each voice is heard and every child’s best interests remain central.
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the case and the type of assessment required (for example, viability or parenting). Most assessments are completed within 8-12 weeks, ensuring enough time for a thorough, fair, and evidence-based review.
Yes, all our assessments are carried out by qualified, registered social workers who follow statutory guidance and best practice standards. Our reports are widely accepted by local authorities, courts, and family panels across the UK.
