The East of England Strategic Migration Partnership, in collaboration with Immigration Social Work Services are pleased to offer an online training event in Age Assessments for Local Authorities in the East of England region.
Dates: 3rd and 4th May 2022
Times: 09:30 – 13:30
Access: Online via Microsoft Teams
This training will run across 2 consecutive mornings (9:30am-1:30pm on 3-4 May 2022). By signing up to this training, you are confirming that you can attend both sessions. If you cannot attend both sessions, please do not sign up for this event.
Introduction
Delegates are invited to attend this online training event for social workers who are new to completing age assessments or social workers in need of a refresher.
Course Content
The course is broken down into the following modules:
- Introduction: Covering the principles of age assessments and why we undertake them.
- Brief Enquiries: Discussing best practice and legal requirements when making a decision about age at the initial point of arrival.
- Case Law: Covering both the Brief Enquiry and the full Merton Age Assessment.
- 6 Step Process: A robust framework that will guide you through six steps to complete a full Merton compliant Age Assessment, using best practice and taking a trauma-informed approach.
Course Structure
The course is an online interactive event with a mixture of presentations, videos, quizzes and activities. Delegates are required to attend both days to complete the training. The course is CPD certified and, once completed, delegates will receive a certificate of attendance which can be uploaded onto Social Work England as part of their ongoing learning record.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will:
- Understand the differences between a “brief enquiry” and a “full Merton compliant” assessment and when to apply these in their work
- Make informed, legally compliant decisions around accommodating spontaneous arrivals at the initial point of contact
- Recognise the impact of these decisions on young people and adults and therefore take an empathetic approach to these pieces of work
- Develop their understanding of what makes an age assessment “Merton” compliant
- Increase their confidence in undertaking a full age assessment using a 6 step process
- Use new and existing social work tools to support the process of undertaking the age assessment in a child centred way
- Know where to find, and how to use, the most up to date guidance and reports to enhance the age assessment
- Understand the statutory roles and responsibilities of all agencies and professionals with an interest in the age assessment
- Write up the age assessment using an analytical approach to evidence conclusions
Facilitator: Jo Schofield
Jo Schofield is a qualified and registered social worker with an established career specialising in supporting Local Authorities and Central Government around the subject of separated migrant children, child trafficking and modern day slavery. She has a proven track record in supporting and improving the social work practice of eleven Local Authorities in the East of England, mapping services, critically analysing practice models and providing solutions to meet the needs of both the Local Authorities and the young people they are supporting.
Since January 2020 Jo has been practicing as an independent trainer and consultant, delivering training on age assessment, human rights assessment and triple planning to Local Authorities, Regional Government Administrations and independent social workers.
Your contact details will be shared with the facilitator for pre course work and to register for certification
Attendees will receive the joining instructions and Microsoft Teams links by email in advance of the training
Please notify Helen Hancock on the details below if you have booked a place, but are subsequently unable to attend the training. This training is funded by the Strategic Migration Partnership and is free to attend. However, cancellations made less than 1 week before the event date or non-attendance will be charged £50 plus VAT.
To register an interest in attending future events or for further information and any queries, please contact Helen Hancock, UASC Regional Coordinator, Strategic Migration Partnership, email: [email protected]
*** This training is provided for Social Workers employed by Local Authorities in the East of England region only. Bookings from individuals using a personal email address will be cancelled. ***
