The way in which practitioners gather information from children and families is as important as the information itself.  Before beginning to gather information to inform planning to help the child, practitioners must talk to families about why practitioners have become involved, why assessment and planning is needed, what that will entail and what the different outcomes might be. Children and families should be able to say what they would like additional help to achieve.

An open process which actively involves children and families and others has many advantages for practitioners, children and families.  It helps because:

• Children and families can come to understand what children need in order to reach their full potential
• Children and families can understand why sharing proportionate and relevant information with practitioners is necessary
• Children and families can help practitioners distinguish what information is significant, relevant and accurate
• Everyone who needs to can take part in making decisions about how to help a child
• Children and families are more likely to feel committed to the plan for a child
• Practitioners behave ethically towards families
• Everyone contributes to finding out whether the plan for a child has made a positive difference to a child or family
• When compulsory action is necessary, research has shown better outcomes are achieved for children by working collaboratively with parents.

Involving parents and carers

Gaining a family’s co-operation and commitment to gathering and analysing information in order to develop a plan together for the child is also crucial. Practitioners must be open and honest and treat family members with respect and dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances. Parents want practitioners to give clear explanations about what is happening, listen to their views and include them in decision making.

Practitioners have a responsibility to develop sensitive communications skills and apply these in a flexible way. One of the key things parents ask for is to be kept informed. Practitioners should always be sensitive to the possibility that some adults may have additional support needs of their own and may need information to be adapted for them to support their participation in the process.