This session will be delivered by Immigration Social Work Service Ltd and will take place on:

• Tuesday 7th January 9:30am - 16:30pm

It is only available for those working in Yorkshire and Humber.

A link to the Teams meeting will be sent to participants via email after booking has closed.

Course Content

The course is run in the following sections:

• What is an age assessment and why are they needed
• The impact on children and young people
• Case Law, Legislation and Policy (including the principles of a “Merton compliant” assessment)
• How to conduct a “brief enquiry” and make decisions at the initial point of contact
• Developing a 6 step process to complete a legally compliant assessment: Decision making around age assessment, planning the age assessment, preparation before the assessment, skills to undertake the assessment, writing up the assessment, feeding back outcome.

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