Family Assessment Unit
Magpie houses our residential Family Assessment Unit where families under threat of breakdown can come and stay with us for up to three months. The families are supported and assessed by constant observation with regard to the level of parenting skills demonstrated on a day to day basis.
The majority of these family groups are young/single mothers with child or children but we also accomodate larger family groups that are struggling to cope.
The main purpose of the centre is to determine whether parents can provide the necessary basic care to create a safe home environment that includes nurturing and stability for their children.
All of our families are referred to us through the Courts and Norfolk Children's Services and staff are required to prepare detailed reports making recommendations about whether the family should stay together or whether the child/children should be taken into care.
There can be real satisfaction in knowing that children have been made safe and free from harm - whether with their own families or alternative placements. Very difficult decisions often have to be made and when families have to separate this can be an upsetting and harrowing process; but the safety and well being of the child/children is paramount.
