episode two: the in and outs of intake assessments
- 17 hours ago
- 1 min read
For every family, the first step in starting contact visits is an intake assessment.
In this episode, Service Manager Jakki and Senior Contact Worker Sam talk about what intake assessments are, why we do them, and what parents can expect from the process.
One of the key messages from this conversation is that intake assessments are not designed to catch people out or make life more difficult. They are simply a conversation that helps us understand a family's circumstances, learn about the children involved, and determine whether Holding Hands is the right service to support them.
Sam also discusses the feelings many parents experience before an intake assessment. It's normal to feel nervous, uncertain, frustrated, or even overwhelmed. Many parents have already shared their story numerous times throughout the family law process, and another conversation can feel daunting.
The intake process helps us build a picture of each child as an individual. We want to understand their interests, strengths, worries, and support needs so that we can prepare appropriately for contact visits and child familiarisation sessions. The more we understand about a child's experience, the better equipped we are to support them.
If you're preparing for an intake assessment, this episode provides a helpful overview of what the conversation involves and why it plays such an important role in creating positive experiences for children entering contact.
