that working deferentially with individuals in practice is a significant factor in addressing any complexities (DoH, 2000).
Taking into account the legal framework within risk assessment procedures is vital, and instructs and informs the assessment process (Davies and Ward, 2012). The Working Together to Safeguard Children agenda was set out to promote collaborative work between individuals and organisations to promote and protect children’s’ welfare in line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004 (Cleaver, 2012). This policy set out legal directions on the main responsibilities and legislation of agencies and professionals to safeguard children (HM Government, 2010). Inadequate assessment, and lack of action against safeguarding concerns, led to serious case reviews, and raised investigations into let-downs in child protection. This caused national anxiety, public discussion, and much media comment, and led to social work being under great pressure (Laming, 2009). The implementation of these legislations and the progress of assessment within children services, has increased discussion amongst leaders of social work practice with regard to risks and risk management (Teater, 2014).
Assessment has always been a central tool in social work practice for safeguarding children’s and families’ services (Hood, 2018). Assessment is a continuous process in social work practice, especially when addressing the discourse of complexity in cases of children and family. Under the Children Act 1989, the LA and other agencies are to safeguard, provide, and promote children’s welfare (Doucet, et al, 2001). Therefore, the support provided by the LA and other agencies to Lyndsey was a duty stipulated within the statutory law to avert the further risk of significant harm (HM,Government, 2012).
Another legislation used to enhance practice experience was the Every Child Matters agenda (Barker, 2009). This meant that Lyndsey’s support had to cover the five outcomes of this agenda, including being healthy, enjoying and achieving, staying safe, maintaining economic wellbeing, and making a positive contribution (Gov.uk, 2018). Building good relationships with other practitioners to explore and recognise risks together, enabled practitioners to gather an in-depth understanding of the case and any additional information for the assessment process (Barker, 2009). This ensured appropriate decisions were implemented. This influenced the Children Act 2004 which voiced significance to the communication among professionals to make informed decisions, and to prevent any further Serious Case Reviews regardi