Assessment Day Sessions
Assessment Day Sessions give referrers a structured, professionally observed opportunity to see how contact works in practice. We use them to inform decisions about the right type of ongoing contact for a child, providing clear, factual observations that support the wider assessment process.
What the service is
An Assessment Day Session is a dedicated block of observed contact between a child and a parent or family member, delivered by our trained staff at one of our centres. Rather than a short standard session, an assessment day allows time to observe interaction, engagement, and the child's response over a longer, more meaningful period.
We record clear, objective observations that can be shared with the referring party to help inform next steps. As with all our services, sessions are child-focused and delivered under our NACCC enhanced accreditation.
How it works
- Referral: A professional referrer or parent contacts us to request an assessment day.
- Setup: As long as both parties engage, we have the service in place within seven days — we never operate a waiting list.
- The session: Contact takes place at an agreed centre, observed throughout by our staff.
- Reporting: We provide a factual written observation for the referring party.
Why it helps families
Assessment days remove guesswork. They give parents, referrers, and the courts reliable, first-hand information about how contact is working, so decisions about a child's ongoing relationships are grounded in evidence rather than assumption. The aim is always to make arrangements work for the family as it is now.
When it is used
Assessment Day Sessions are typically requested where there is uncertainty about the appropriate level of contact, or where a referrer needs an independent view before recommending supported, supervised, or handover arrangements. They are frequently used within private and public law proceedings, and by local authorities, solicitors, and mediators building a fuller picture of a family's situation.
