The Welsh overview by Robinson et al., (2018) of adult practice reviews, homicide reviews and mental homicide reviews found key issues relating to assessments and reports, these included:
- ‘The assessments conducted by practitioners tended to focus on particular aspects of behaviour, neglecting others, thereby reducing the overall accuracy of the assessment’.
- Some individuals were assessed as at risk (i.e.vulnerable), rather than posing a risk (i.e.harmful).
- Tunnel vision meant that a narrative would be constructed and practice would be shaped so as to fit this particular narrative
- Focus group participants noted that assessments can be process driven, resulting in them being seen as a‘tick-box’ exercise (arguably as a result of the impact of Key Performance Indicators). It was agreed that a holistic, ongoing assessment was needed and assessments should be ‘living’ documents. Assessments were considered to be more robust when they were routinely revisited or updated; involved input from and consideration of impacts on the family; and drew upon multi-agency perspectives.(P8-10)’
In order to avoid these practices, it is important for practitioners when preparing reports to recognise:
- An effective assessment depends on a holistic understanding of the adult at risk’s circumstances, areas of concern and strengths from a range of practitioner perspectives.
- Person-centred assessments take place when practitioners consider the impact of the abuse or neglect on the adult at risk. For example, if there are concerns about domestic violence, what has the adult at risk described? What are practitioners observing from their behaviour?
- Do not provide a list of dates of agency contacts without give some indication as to the nature of the contact and the outcome. Think why are these dates and actions relevant?
- When deciding what to include in the assessment ask yourself if this relevant? Is the information increasing our understanding of the situation? If in doubt discuss with the social worker.
- Practitioners are contributing to the conference to make judgements about the concerns and strengths, from their professional perspective. Do not be afraid to draw on this. The professional opinion of everyone is valued.
- Be sure to support your analysis, with evidence from what you have observed, have been told by the family, the accounts of adult at risk or research.
- The establishing the daily lived experience provides practitioners with insights as to how culture, religion, disability and issues such as alcohol and drug misuse are impacting on the adult at risk. Draw on this to avoid making generalised statements about parenting issues, culture and diversity.
- It is your responsibility to share your report with the adult at risk. If you have any concerns about doing so then discuss with the social worker.
Further information:
Robinson, A, Rees, A and Dehaghani R (2018) Findings from a thematic analysis into adult deaths in Wales: Domestic Homicide Reviews, Adult Practice Reviews and Mental Health Homicide Reviews Cardiff University, (Accessed 21/ 7/ 2019)