Ms Kate Duggan:

The assessment of need process is set out in legislation regarding the child's right to an assessment of his or her need and we understand there are delays in that process. An assessment of need is almost like an identification of need. The model we are putting forward is not an assessment of need under a legislative basis but rather where we meet a young child, with the foster or birth parents if required, necessary or appropriate, to assess where that child stands developmentally. From that, we look at designing a care plan and appropriate therapeutic supports to ensure that when the child is in care, all his or her needs are being met. It is not just physical and safety needs but also developmental needs, whether through motor skills or speech and language skills or psychological supports the child may require.