Assessment

An assessment is where we look, with you, at your needs and what services you might need to meet those needs.

If we think you need an assessment we will give you an appointment with a member of social work staff. If you want to you can bring a friend, relative or someone else to speak on your behalf at the appointment.

How can I be assessed?
When a social work service is asked for we call this a referral. You can refer yourself or various people can make a referral for you by contacting us over the phone or by writing to us.

• Self-referral - you can refer yourself to the Social Work Service by getting in touch on the details provided
• Relatives or carers can refer 
• Health professionals e.g. your G.P can refer
• The Department's Service Partners can refer e.g. voluntary organisations
• The court or court system can refer

Is there a charge?
There is no charge for the assessment.  For some services, for example, Meals on Wheels or Community Alarms, there may be a charge but this normally depends on your income.

How long does the assessment take?
The time needed for an assessment depends on your needs and circumstances. If your needs are complicated and we have to gather information from a number of people as well as from you, it may take more than one visit to complete your assessment.

Why must I be assessed?
We provide services to a wide range of people, including people suffering from dementia, older people, people with a disability, people affected by substance misuse, young people and children, people affected by blood borne viruses, as well as the family and friends who act as carers and look after all of these people.

We want to make sure that our services are made available to those of you in greatest need and at most risk, therefore, in order to be fair to everyone social workers follow our published eligibility criteria in determining priority.  We will try to meet your needs within the resources available to us. Once a request has been made for a service or for help, a specialist worker will talk to you to see if you qualify for a service.

See Also

Publications

• Needs assessment explained Social Work 2013 (30 May 2012)