Balance of Harm Reports
Weighing risks and benefits for child welfare decisions
What is a Balance of Harm Report?
A Balance of Harm Report helps the Court decide what is best for your child when big changes are being considered. This could be about where your child lives, who they spend time with, or if they need to move from one parent’s care to another. The report looks at the risks and benefits of different options to make sure your child’s safety and well-being are the main focus.
What’s Included in the Report?
The Balance of Harm Report includes:
1.
Assessment of Risks: We look at the short and long-term risks to your child for each option.
2.
Benefits Analysis: We consider the benefits of each option for your child’s well-being.
3.
Recommendations: We provide suggestions on how to reduce any risks and support your child’s best interests.
Our Process of Delivering a Balance of Harm Report
Our process involves several steps:
- Gather Information: We collect all relevant information and recommendations from previous reports or professionals involved and we may speak to them as part of this.
- Analyse Options: We look at the different options and assess the risks and benefits of each.
- Provide Recommendations: We give clear recommendations to help the Court make the best decision for your child.
Why Choose Our Balance of Harm Reports?
Our Balance of Harm Reports are trusted by family Courts because they are thorough and fair. What you can expect from us:
Experienced Team
Our team is skilled in handling complex family situations and understanding the risks involved.
Detailed Assessments
We thoroughly assess all aspects of your situation.
Fair Evaluation
We assess all risks and benefits without any bias.
Helpful Recommendations
We provide practical suggestions to improve your child’s situation and ensure their safety.
FAQs
What is the welfare checklist?
The Welfare Checklist is a statutory guide used by both social workers and the Court when making decisions about a child’s care. It includes considerations such as the child’s wishes, needs, age, background, potential harm, and the capabilities of each parent to meet those needs effectively and consistently.
Other Ways We Can Help
Relocation reports
We assess the implications of proposed relocations on children’s welfare, helping the Court decide if a move is in the child’s best interests.
Section 7 reports
We provide child-focused Section 7 reports under the Children Act 1989, giving the Court a clear picture of what is in the child’s best interests.
Psychological assessments
We offer structured psychological assessments for children and adults to explore emotional wellbeing, trauma and behavioural concerns. These assessments inform therapy and decision-making in complex family situations and are adapted to the individual’s needs.