GCP2
Neglect is the most common reason why children are placed on a child protection plan, both locally and nationally. Neglect has also been a significant issue in Serious Case Reviews in Swindon, highlighting the need for a more robust and supportive multi-agency approach to neglect. The GCP2 provides this assessment tool. Swindon Safeguarding Partnership has purchased the licence for the GCP2, an evidence-based assessment tool for Neglect.
What is the Graded Care Profile 2?
- It is an evidence-based assessment tool for evaluating levels of parental care.
- Uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to ensure comprehensive coverage of a child’s needs.
- Uses a graded scale (1-5) to capture levels of a child’s physical and emotional care.
- Identifies parental strengths and concerns.
- Focuses on significant areas of neglect that impact the child’s holistic development.
- Provides evidence to inform outcome-focused plans.
The GCP2 assessment tool helps practitioners measure the quality of care a child is receiving and is designed to give a representative overview of the current level of care. The grades are based on observations and good quality evidence gathered during the assessment period.
This tool does not replace any current assessment methods. Instead, it integrates with local processes and assessments to provide clear, specific evidence of the level of neglect present (or not) within a family and its impact on the child. This addresses a common challenge faced by agencies and professionals when working with families experiencing neglect at all levels of intervention.
Further Information
For further information about GCP2, visit the NSPCC website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services-children-families/deliver-nspcc-services#graded-care-profile-2/
Luton was an early adopter of GCP2, and this video explains its practical use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWsA8OLxrDw
Can Anyone Use the GCP2 Assessment Tool?
To use the GCP2 tool, practitioners must attend and pass a one-day training course that is being provided across Swindon. Training is delivered by a pool of multi-agency staff trained in GCP2.
Training
From June 2020 (subject to circumstances regarding Covid-19), GCP2 assessor training will be prioritised. Key professionals identified as benefiting from this training will be invited. The courses are free, but spaces are limited. If you wish to be considered, please seek authorization from your line manager and email your details to the Safeguarding Partnership at safeguardingpartnership@swindon.gov.uk.
Further Information and Awareness Sessions
Awareness briefings (dates to be confirmed) will be held for managers and services across the Safeguarding Partnership. These sessions will explain what the GCP2 tool is, the language professionals can expect, and its implications for families and professionals.
Principles and FAQs
Principles and FAQs will be updated in due course.