Capacity to Protect Assessments

A Capacity to Protect assessment is often requested when there are concerns for risks of CSA presented by a family member or a person closely linked to a family. Often matters are being heard at a Family Law or the Children’s Court. The idea of keeping a child/ren safe from CSA is often a complex matter and particularly when contact continues to take place between a child/ren and a person who may pose a risk of CSA. Usually there are concerns for safety of the child and query as to whether the protective parent or carer can keep a child/ren safe. It is in these types of situations a Capacity to Protect assessment can be requested to be undertaken by the protective parent or carer.

At Keep Young Safe, Capacity to Protect assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s ability to recognise, understand, and respond to risks associated with CSA, with a particular focus on their capacity to keep children safe.

The assessment is undertaken in conjunction with an individualised education session focused on CSA. This one-to-one session requires the participant’s active involvement and participation and forms an important component of the overall assessment process and outcome. Regardless of the assessment outcome, Keep Young Safe aims to ensure that each participant leaves the process with a greater understanding of issues relating to CSA, including potential risks and protective strategies. The intention is to support participants to feel better informed and more empowered to recognise and respond to potential risks and take appropriate steps to help keep children safe in the future.

Assessments usually include 5 x 120min weekly sessions with the participant. Where possible the time frames can be adjusted to suit.

A Capacity to Protect assessment report will be produced, within 3 weeks of assessment completion.

For further information or to book a Capacity to Protect assessment, please complete the Enquiry form.