Every service is delivered within a framework of child welfare, equality, and professional rigour — producing outcomes that support fair, timely decisions for children and families.
Our primary service is a structured 12-week residential parenting capacity assessment. Families live at the Centre while qualified staff observe, support, and assess parenting across all key domains.
Residential assessments directed by the family court under PLO 2023 and Practice Direction 12A. Reports prepared to expert witness standard.
Early parenting capacity assessments for families in pre-proceedings, helping local authorities make well-evidenced decisions before issuing care proceedings.
Specialist assessments for parents with learning disabilities and neurodivergent parents, using PAMs and MALD tools with appropriate adjustments throughout.
Intensive key-worker support for parents with babies 0–18 months. Daily parenting skills sessions, direct observation, and structured progress reviews.
Group and individual sessions covering baby care, safe sleeping, infant nutrition, attachment theory, emotional regulation, and positive parenting.
Regular interim reports to IROs, local authorities, and the family court. Final report produced to expert witness standard at the conclusion of the placement.
Assessment tools are selected at pre-admission based on the individual family's profile and presenting needs.
Dartington Service Design Lab. Used for standard parenting capacity assessments across all key domains including basic care, safety, emotional warmth, stimulation, guidance, stability, and capacity to change.
Standard CasesAll DomainsAmber Family / Impact Assessments Ltd. RFC-specific cloud-based platform designed specifically for residential family centre assessments. Provides structured evidence gathering and reporting.
RFC-SpecificCloud PlatformParenting Assessment Manual Software. Specialist tool for assessing parents with learning disabilities, using accessible formats, visual supports, and adjusted assessment methodology.
Learning DisabilitiesAccessible FormatMeasures of Ability and Learning Disabilities. Used for neurodivergent parents including those with autism and ADHD, ensuring assessment methodology reflects the parent's cognitive profile.
Neurodivergent ParentsAutism / ADHDCourt direction received, suitability assessed within 48 hours, pre-placement meeting arranged.
Introductory visit, key worker allocated, placement plan agreed, baseline observations begin.
12 weeks of observation, sessions, group work, and regular multi-agency review meetings.
Court-quality report produced. Transition planning and departure support provided.