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Court Assessment Service
The Court Assessment Service provides a specialist service undertaking comprehensive assessments of children and families in court proceedings, primarily in London and the South East. Established in 2002, the team has had a very low staff turnover and the staff involved are committed to providing a consistent service with ever-increasing expertise.
The team
The multi-disciplinary team comprises the following members:
- Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Duncan McLean
- Psychiatrist: Dr Anna Streeruwitz
- Family Therapist: Minna Daum
- Child Psychotherapist: Paddy Martin
- Educational Psychologist: Lesley Bennett
The team specialises in providing assessments of families where one or more of the parents has a personality disorder or difficulties.
Who we help
By providing comprehensive assessments of complex cases, we aim to assist the Court in understanding parenting capacities and children’s developing, leading to clear decisions with regard to the placement of the children as well as any therapeutic needs that the parents or children may have. We offer a service which is independent from Social Services and other organisations.
Team members are usually invited to attend court for cross-examination at the final hearing.
Sometimes families return to the Centre for therapeutic work after the final hearing. The team also offers advice and consultation to Social Workers and Foster Carers involved with families before, during and after court proceedings.
The best interests of the children are always our central concern.
“I was in an abusive relationship with my partner. Social Services got involved and the children went into care with my sister, who was their sole carer. I remained in a women’s refuge…..if it wasn’t for the advice of Anna Freud and recommendations from them, then I probably wouldn’t have the children back with me.” (Feedback from Jenny*, a mother who was referred to the service.)
*a pseudonym
Our approach
- Our assessments begin with a meeting involving the network, i.e. parents in the family and professionals, during which the assessment process is outlined and the concerns about the family are explored.
- We helpfamily members understand the assessment process and ensure they have the opportunity to ask questions and air their views at all points during the process.
- Family members are seen individually and together, both at the Anna Freud Centre and in the community (home, school and other relevant settings).
- Team members write a comprehensive report upon completion of the assessment.
Referral process
We accept joint instructions from Children’s Guardians, Social Services and the parents’ solicitors.
If you would like to make a referral, please fill in this form and return via email to louise.hewitson@annafreud.org
Referrals are discussed with the team at 9am every Wednesday morning and you will be notified as to the outcome shortly after this. We are unable to consider new referrals at any other time, so please ensure your referral is submitted to allow adequate time.
Please note that a referral must be submitted and approved via this formal process in order to guarantee accommodation.
Each assessment is tailor-made and therefore the total cost depends on the assessment required. A rough estimate can be requested once a referral has been submitted. This may be revised once a letter of instruction has been received.
An assessment usually takes three months to complete. Our current availability means that we are unable to begin any new cases until September 2012.
How to contact us
If you have any further queries, please contact Louise Hewitson on 020 7794 2313 or louise.hewitson@annafreud.org
