Project West Family Time Assessments
Project West Family Time Assessments
At Project West, we specialise in Family Time Assessments, providing independent, professional evaluations to assist the Family Court, Local Authorities, Cafcass, solicitors and families in determining the most appropriate Family Time arrangements for children.
Unlike traditional parenting assessments, our focus is not on assessing parenting capacity. Our expertise lies in assessing Family Time, including how children and family members interact, how relationships develop, and what arrangements best promote a child's welfare, emotional wellbeing and long-term relationships.
With over 20 years of experience delivering Family Time services, Project West has developed a trusted reputation for providing independent, child-focused services that support informed decision-making.
What we offer
Our Family Time Assessment Services
Initial Family Time Assessment
A thorough independent assessment that draws together documentation, professional consultation and direct observation of Family Time.
- Review of Court Orders and background documentation
- Review of previous reports
- Safeguarding considerations
- Consultation with professionals
- Pre-assessment meetings
- Observation of supervised Family Time sessions
- Assessment of child-family interactions
- Observation before, during and after Family Time
- Identification of strengths and support needs
- Independent recommendations
Project West provides a comprehensive written report containing balanced, independent and evidence-based recommendations.
Family Time Progress Review
Designed for cases where Family Time is already taking place, this review offers an independent evaluation of how arrangements are working for the child.
- Quality of interactions
- Child's emotional presentation
- Communication and engagement
- Emotional warmth
- Responsiveness
- Progress over time
- Support needs
- Recommendations
This service provides an objective overview that supports informed decision-making by the Court and professionals.
How it works
The Project West Family Time Assessment Process
Stage One
Background Review
We carefully review Court Orders, previous reports and relevant documentation to understand the child's history and the questions the Court needs answered.
Stage Two
Assessment Planning
We consult with professionals, complete pre-assessment meetings and plan sessions that are safe, purposeful and focused on the child.
Stage Three
Family Time Observation
Our practitioners observe Family Time before, during and after sessions, capturing the child's experience and the quality of interactions.
Stage Four
Professional Evaluation
Observations are analysed against safeguarding considerations, the child's presentation and their emotional and developmental needs.
Stage Five
Final Recommendation
We produce a balanced, evidence-based report with clear, independent recommendations to support decision-making.
Independent recommendations
Our Recommendations May Include
Recommendations are made according to the individual circumstances of the family, the agreed instructions and the evidence gathered during the assessment. Project West does not presume that arrangements should progress to a different level of supervision.
Why families and professionals choose us
Why Choose Project West?
Over 20 years of trusted Family Time experience
Led by a Former Registered Nurse, Qualified Social Worker and Former Children's Guardian (Public Law)
Led by Pauline Bennett, whose professional career spans more than 40 years across health, social care, child protection and family law
Independent and impartial
Child-centred practice
Evidence-based observations
High-quality professional reports
Trusted by Local Authorities, Cafcass, solicitors and the Family Court
Safe and professionally managed Family Time environments
Our philosophy
“Project West does not assess parenting capacity. We assess Family Time, helping courts, professionals and families determine the arrangements that best promote a child's welfare, emotional wellbeing and long-term relationships.”
Commission a Family Time Assessment
Download and complete our Family Time Assessments and Progress Reviews Enquiry Form, start the approved online route when available, or contact our team to discuss your case, timescales and how a Project West assessment can support informed decision-making for the child.