Dear All, recently I have finally managed to secure a ASSA assessment in under 2 weeks having battled for 2 years to get help. It would appear that the councils have no or little mechanisms set up for ASSA and keep pushing you from pillar to post so I wrote directly to the Director of Children's services. With the attached template. It leaves them no wriggle room, and I have then insisedt that they follow the assessment process laid down by the law. See attached Coram Link. I hope this helps others.
Template
Subject: Formal Request for a Statutory Adoption Support Assessment
Dear Director of Children’s Services,
I am writing as the adoptive parent of [number] child/children placed with me by [Local Authority / Adoption Agency].
I am making a formal request for a statutory Adoption Support Assessment under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and the Adoption Support Services Regulations 2005.
This request is made because the current level of support is insufficient to meet my child/children’s needs and there is a growing risk to placement stability. The difficulties we are experiencing are ongoing and relate to trauma, regulation, and the demands of parenting an adopted child.
For the avoidance of doubt, I am requesting:
- A statutory Adoption Support Assessment, not an informal review or Family Help assessment;
- An assessment covering the full range of adoption support needs, including practical support, parenting capacity, education and health co-ordination, and placement sustainability;
- A written Adoption Support Plan, as required by Regulation 16, setting out identified needs, services to be provided, and arrangements for review.
I am willing to engage constructively with the assessment process and to provide any relevant information required.
Please confirm in writing that this statutory Adoption Support Assessment will be undertaken and advise me of the timescale for completion.
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
[Address]
[Email / Phone number]
[Child’s initials and date of adoption, if appropriate]
Important notes for parents
Put it in writing (email is fine).
Address it to the DCS, not just the social worker.
Use the words “statutory Adoption Support Assessment”.
Do not accept diversion to Early Help, Family Help, or informal reviews unless you explicitly agree.
Keep copies of everything.
If you are a family struggling to get an ASSA, and it appears that there are a number then this works.
https://corambaaf.org.uk/sites/default/files/Marketing/Bookshop/Assessing%20for%20adoption%20support/Assessment%20for%20Adoption%20Support%20form.pdf