Impact Story - Clara, Phillipe and their 3 children
The Benefits of WillisPalmer's Supported Community Assessment for children and the Family Courts
Background
A London borough local authority instructed WillisPalmer to undertake a multi-disciplinary Supported Community Assessment (SCA) of parents Clara and Phillipe Nicolescu regarding the welfare of their newborn son, Andrei. The Local Authority had issued care proceedings regarding Andrei and his two older siblings who had been placed in interim local authority care.
The Local Authority had longstanding concerns about domestic conflict, parental mental ill-health and cooperation with professionals. The parents’ history with children’s services dated back to 2011. A previous residential parenting assessment had been negative.
The SCA was required to analyse whether Andrei could safely remain in his parents’ care, and whether reunification of his siblings could be a feasible and safe consideration.
WillisPalmer’s Multi-disciplinary Approach
The SCA was undertaken by a specialist multi-disciplinary team comprising:
- Independent Social Worker highly experienced in child protection and Family Drug and Alcohol Court work
- Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- 24-hour Family Support Workers
This collaborative approach to assessment combined clinical psychology, social work assessment, and practical observation in a natural family setting, providing a holistic view of risk, resilience, and capacity for change.
Overview of the assessment model
Integrated Observation and Intervention
Parents were supported and observed in their home environment, allowing professionals to assess real-life interactions and parenting rather than isolated sessions.
Family Support Workers provided 24/7 guidance and crisis intervention, ensuring Andrei’s safety while allowing the family to function naturally.
Therapeutic Insight through Psychological Input
The Clinical Psychologist provided in-depth psychological assessments identifying trauma histories, emotional regulation difficulties, and attachment patterns.
Recommendations were made for Mentalisation-Based Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy to address entrenched relational dynamics.
Regular Review and Feedback
Weekly multi-agency meetings and midway progress reviews ensured continuous monitoring, allowing real-time adjustments to the risk management and support plans.
Collaborative Professional Practice
The SCA team worked closely with the Local Authority social work team, Children’s Guardian and health professionals, enabling ongoing open communication about risk management, changing needs and safeguarding decisions.
Key Outcomes
Andrei’s Welfare – Andrei was thriving developmentally, securely attached, and well cared for. His needs were consistently met by his parents within the home environment.
Parental Progress – both parents showed measurable improvement in emotional regulation and cooperation with professionals.
They demonstrated greater insight into the need for calm conflict resolution. The parents engagement in domestic abuse work improved their reflective capacity.
Remaining Risks – the assessment identified continued challenges in conflict management and limited insight into the emotional impact of domestic abuse on children. However, these risks were judged to be manageable with continued community-based support.
Recommendations – Andrei to remain in his parents’ care subject to a Child in Need Plan.
Gradual reunification of Andrei’s siblings to their parents’ care, with structured support.
Continuation of therapeutic intervention and professional social work oversight.
Benefits Recognised by the Local Authority and Family Court
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Assessment – the SCA provided integrated psychosocial analysis, enabling the court to make informed decisions grounded in both clinical and social evidence.
Proportionate and Family-Centred Approach –unlike residential assessments, the SCA allowed parents to be assessed within their own home, reducing disruption for the child and enabling authentic observation of parenting capacity.
Real-Time Safeguarding and Support – the presence of 24-hour Family Support Workers ensured child safety while allowing parents to practice, consolidate and demonstrate new skills.
Cost-Effective and Efficient – by combining assessment and intervention, the SCA reduced the need for additional referrals and/or assessments, shortening court timescales, minimising placement instability and speeding up permanence planning for all three siblings.
Promotes Sustainable Change – the SCA model employs reflective practice and therapeutic engagement, supporting lasting improvements in parenting capacity beyond the assessment period.
