Getting our priorities right: good practice guidance

Appendix 3: Information to be Considered as Part of Multi-Agency Assessment

(This list has been adapted from Appendix 2 Checklist from Getting Our Priorities Right (2003) and the GIRFEC MY World Triangle)

How I grow and develop

Is there adequate food, clothing and warmth for the child?

Are height and weight normal for the child's age and stage of development?

Is the child receiving appropriate nutrition and exercise?

Is the child's health and development consistent with their age and stage of development?

Has the child received necessary immunisations?

Is the child registered with a GP and a dentist?

Do the parents seek health care for the child appropriately?

Does the child attend nursery or school regularly? If not, why not? Is s/he achieving appropriate academic attainment?

Is the child engaged in age-appropriate activities?

Does the child present any behavioural, or emotional problems?

How does the child relate to unfamiliar adults?

Is there evidence of drug/alcohol use by the child?

Does the child know about his/her parents substance use?

What understanding does the child have of their parent's substance use?

Does the child have appropriate attachment with his/her main carers?

Do the children know where the drugs/alcohol are kept?

Are there any indications that any of the children are taking on a parenting role within the family (e.g. caring for other children, excessive household responsibilities, etc.)?

Who normally looks after the child?

Is the care for the child consistent and reliable?

Are the child's emotional needs being adequately met?

What I need from the people who look after me

Does the parent manage the child's distress or challenging behaviour appropriately?

Is there a risk of repeated separation for example because of periods of imprisonment (e.g. short custodial sentences for fine default)?

Is the drug use by the parent:

• experimental?
• recreational?
• chaotic?
• dependent?

Does the user move between these types of drug use at different times?

Does the parent misuse alcohol?

What patterns of drinking does the parent have?

Is the parent a binge drinker with periods of sobriety? Are there patterns to their bingeing?

Is the parent a daily heavy drinker?

Does the parent use alcohol concurrently with other drugs?

How reliable is current information about the parent's drug use?

Is there a drug-free parent/non-problem drinker, supportive partner or relative?

Is the quality of parenting or childcare different when a parent is using drugs and when not using?

Does the parent have any mental health problems alongside substance use?

If so, how are mental health problems affected by the parent's substance use? Are mental health problems directly related to substance use?

If parents are using drugs, do children witness the taking of the drugs, or other substances?

How much do the parents spend on drugs (per day? per week?) How is the money obtained?

Where in the household do parents store drugs/alcohol?

What precautions do parents take to prevent their children getting hold of their drugs/alcohol?

Are these adequate?

Is the parent a daily heavy drinker?

Does the parent use alcohol concurrently with other drugs?

How reliable is current information about the parent's drug use?

Is there a drug-free parent/non-problem drinker, supportive partner or relative?

Is the quality of parenting or childcare different when a parent is using drugs and when not using?

What do parents know about the risks of children ingesting methadone and other harmful drugs?

Do parents know what to do if a child has consumed a large amount of alcohol?

Is there a risk of HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection?

Is there evidence that the parents place their own needs and procurement of alcohol or drugs before the care and wellbeing of their children?

Do the parents know what responsibilities and powers agencies have to support and protect children at risk?

Where is injecting equipment kept? In the family home? Are works kept securely?

Is injecting equipment shared?

Is a needle exchange scheme used?

How are syringes disposed of?

What do parents know about the health risks of injecting or using drugs?

What do parents think of the impact of the problematic alcohol or drug use on their children?

My wider world

Are there non-drug using adults in the wider family readily accessible to the child who can provide appropriate care and support when necessary?

Is the family's living accommodation suitable for children?

Is it adequately equipped and furnished?

Are there appropriate sleeping arrangements for each child, for example does each child have a bed or cot, with sufficient bedding?

Are rent and bills paid? Does the family have any arrears or significant debts?

How long have the family lived in their current home/current area?

Does the family move frequently? If so, why?

Are there problems with neighbours, landlords or dealers?

Do other drug users/problem drinkers share or use the accommodation? If so, are relationships with them harmonious, or is there conflict?

Is the family living in a drug-using/ heavy drinking community?

Are children exposed to intoxicated behaviour/group drinking?

Could other aspects of substance use constitute a risk to children (e.g. conflict with or between dealers, exposure to criminal activities related to substance use)?

Where are the children when their parents are procuring drugs or getting supervised methadone? Are they left alone?

Are they taken to unsuitable places where they might be at risk, such as street meeting places, flats, needle exchanges, adult clinics?

Is this causing financial problems?

Do the parents sell drugs in the family home?

Are the parents allowing their premises to be used by other drug users?

Are they (parents) in touch with local agencies that can advise on issues such as needle exchanges, substitute prescribing programmes, detoxification and rehabilitation facilities?

If they are in touch with agencies, how regular is the contact?

Do the parents primarily associate with other substance misusers, non-drug users or both?

Are relatives aware of parent(s)' problem alcohol/drug use? Are they supportive of the parent(s)/child(ren)?

Will parents accept help from relatives, friends or professional agencies?

Is stigma and social isolation a problem for the family?

How does the community perceive the family? Do neighbours know about the parents substance use? Are neighbours supportive or hostile?