Independent Social Work Services

MHA Professional Services provides a comprehensive range of independent social work services for local authorities, legal professionals, courts and voluntary sector organisations throughout the UK.

Our focus is on delivering timely, evidence based and high quality assessments that support robust decision making for children, young people and families. As an established provider, we are known for reliability, clear communication and a consistent commitment to professional excellence.

Our work is grounded in best practice, up to date research and a strong safeguarding framework. Every independent social worker within our team brings substantial frontline experience, enabling us to deliver assessments that are reflective, analytical and sensitive to the complexities of family life. Whether a case involves care proceedings, private law disputes, assessments for permanence or specialist models such as ParentAssess, we offer a service shaped around the needs of each commissioning body.

Our independent social work services are delivered within agreed timescales, supported by a structured quality assurance process and overseen by senior social work assessors. This means professionals can rely on the accuracy, depth and clarity of our reports, as well as the transparency of our methodology.

Ultimately, our purpose is to contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people by ensuring that assessments are not only compliant but also meaningful and well reasoned.

Our Independent Social Work & Family Support Services include ParentAssess and CUBAS assessments.

Viability Assessments

We undertake viability assessments to support early decision making and determine whether family or connected persons may be suitable as potential carers. Our approach is thorough yet proportionate, providing clear guidance on whether further full assessment is recommended. This supports timely planning in both public and private law contexts.

Parenting & Risk Assessments

Our parenting assessments examine the strengths, challenges and capacity for change within a family system. We draw on a range of evidence based tools and frameworks to evaluate risk, protective factors and parental insight. Our independent social workers are skilled at engaging with complex family dynamics, mental health issues, substance misuse, domestic abuse, learning needs and social adversity.

Kinship/Family Assessments

We provide detailed kinship, family and Special Guardianship assessments that explore capability, motivation, support networks and capacity for long term stability. Our practitioners understand the significance of cultural, relational and contextual factors in kinship care and ensure that assessments remain sensitive, fair and reasoned.

Residence & Contact

Residence and contact assessments are undertaken for both public and private law cases. We explore the child’s needs, the quality of relationships and the impact of any proposed arrangements. Reports offer clear recommendations that assist courts in determining the safest and most appropriate outcomes for children.

Specialist assessment models - ParentAssess and CUBAS

MHA Professional Services is recognised for delivering specialist assessment models, including ParentAssess and CUBAS, which provide deeper developmental analysis for parents with additional learning needs or cognitive challenges.

These models bring structure, accessibility and clarity to situations where standard assessment tools may not sufficiently capture a parent's potential or required level of support.

We are also pleased to be involved in the ongoing development of the new ParentAssess Special Guardianship model. As part of the national trial phase, we provide feedback and evaluation drawn from practitioner use and engagement with families. Local authorities commissioning SGO assessments are able to request the use of this new model at no additional cost, allowing them to benefit from an updated and research informed framework.

Online Access for (ISW) Services.

This service has been designed to provide solicitors, barristers and Local Authorities with rapid access to the CV's and availability of our ISWs when they need to agree those services as soon as possible (for example, when they are in a court setting). It provides additional reassurance that deadlines and submission dates for assessments can be met.

Professionals simply sign up to the service and once approved can access the ISW information on their laptops, tablets or mobile telephones.

Please click here to sign up for online access.

Why choose MHA Professional Services for independent social work services

Commissioners choose us because our independent social work services combine professional expertise, reliability, transparent communication and consistent quality. We recognise that assessments must withstand scrutiny, support effective planning and prioritise the welfare of children. Our strengths include:

A large network of highly skilled and vetted practitioners
Structured quality assurance ensuring consistency across reports
Clear timescales and strong communication at each stage
Access to specialist models including ParentAssess, CUBAS and bespoke SGO frameworks
A trauma informed and evidence based approach across all areas of practice
An online access system that enables rapid allocation in time sensitive situations

Our service is built around integrity, professionalism and a commitment to safeguarding. We aim to support local authorities, solicitors and barristers by delivering assessments that are clear, analytical and grounded in sound social work practice. Above all, our work is shaped by an understanding that every decision can have a significant impact on the life of a child or young person.

FAQs

What are independent social work services and who commissions them?

Independent social work services involve assessments, reports and specialist interventions carried out by qualified social workers who are not employed by a local authority. These services are typically commissioned by legal professionals, courts, local authorities and voluntary organisations when an impartial, specialist or time critical assessment is required. Commissioners often seek an independent perspective to ensure that decision making is balanced, transparent and free from organisational conflict.

How are your independent social workers vetted and approved?

Every practitioner undergoes a rigorous selection process. This includes full referencing, annual enhanced DBS checks, verification of Social Work England registration and confirmation of professional insurance. We only work with social workers who have a minimum of five years assessment experience and who can demonstrate strong analytical, evidence based practice. Our internal quality checks ensure that all work meets the standards expected in court and statutory environments.

How quickly can an assessment be allocated?

Thanks to our online access system and well established network of practitioners, we are often able to allocate assessments rapidly, even in urgent cases. Timescales depend on the nature and complexity of the assessment, but we always agree clear deadlines at the outset and communicate regularly throughout the process. Our aim is to ensure that commissioners receive timely, high quality reports without unnecessary delay.

Do you offer assessments nationwide?

Yes. Our independent social work services are available across the UK. We work with local authorities and legal professionals in both rural and urban areas, ensuring that assessments are accessible regardless of location. Many assessments can include a blended approach that combines in person visits with secure digital methods where appropriate.

What types of cases do you specialise in?

We specialise in a wide range of child and family assessments, including viability assessments, parenting and risk assessments, kinship and SGO assessments, residence and contact reports, and specialist models such as ParentAssess and CUBAS. We also offer Merton compliant age assessments for separated children and young people. Our work covers both public and private law proceedings, supporting courts and local authorities with clear, evidence based recommendations.

How do you ensure that your assessments are high quality and defensible?

All assessments go through a structured quality assurance process led by senior social work assessors. This includes reviewing the evidence base, checking analytical reasoning, ensuring clarity of the recommendations and confirming that statutory guidance has been met. Our focus is on producing reports that are balanced, robust and able to withstand scrutiny in court settings.