Expert Social Work Support for Families Across Hampshire
Independent, evidence-based assessments and family support — delivered with compassion and professionalism.
SWE Registered
Fully Insured Practitioners
We understand that navigating the family court system can feel overwhelming. Guiding Families provides independent, expert social work services to support families, Local Authorities, and legal professionals with clarity, care, and confidence.
Our Services
Specialist social work services tailored to the needs of families, courts, and local authorities.
Parenting Assessments
Comprehensive ParentAssess and CUBAS assessments to evaluate parenting capacity and inform court decisions.
Risk Assessments
Thorough, evidence-based risk assessments to identify concerns and support safe family outcomes.
Contact Supervision
Professional supervision and observation of family contact, with detailed written reports.
Court Reports (S7/S37)
Section 7 and Section 37 reports prepared to the highest professional standards for family court proceedings.
Fostering & Kinship Assessments
Form F fostering assessments and kinship viability assessments to support permanency planning.
Local Authority Support
Independent support visits and assessments commissioned directly by Local Authorities.
How It Works
Getting the support you need is straightforward. Here's what to expect.
Get in Touch
Contact us by phone or email to discuss your needs. We'll listen carefully and explain how we can help.
Initial Consultation
We'll arrange an initial consultation to understand your situation and agree on the most appropriate service.
Expert Assessment & Report
Our experienced practitioners carry out the assessment and deliver a clear, evidence-based report.
What People Say
"After just one conference call with Carly, I was immediately reassured by her depth of knowledge and her genuinely child-centred focus. She came across as very approachable, offered a lot of helpful information and guidance on where to find further resources, and was consistently punctual in her email communication. Overall, she really seems experienced and dedicated to what she does."
Parent
Hampshire
"The assessment was of a good standard ,balanced and fair. It’s not often we see such a well‑written and thorough parenting assessment.”"
Solicitor
Hampshire
"Carly was very friendly, helpful, understanding and able to provide guidance. She gave some very helpful tips to better understand my situation and the options available to me, drawing from her own personal experiences. Her role as an independent social worker was very clear and I found the call very useful. She took time to explain in the phone call and simply talking was greatly appreciated. She also followed up with an email providing useful resources that would help with parenting. Excellent!"
Parent
Hampshire
"What helped me most was having everything broken down clearly for me, and the use of pictures, drawings and photos that made things easier to understand and matched my cognitive assessment. I felt really comfortable throughout, not judged at all and the whole process felt natural. You formed your own views independently, and I felt supported and respected."
Parent
Hampshire
"Just an update the child is returning to our care on Monday, and the Local Authority has been given a one‑year supervision order. Thank you for everything"
Parent
Hampshire
"Carly as an independent social worker was exactly that — honest and professional at all times. She returned calls and answered all emails promptly, and was always willing to explain any questions we had. Carly also gave advice on different sources we might find useful. We were very sceptical at first, but we were proved wrong. Her help was invaluable."
Connected carer
Bournemouth
Why Choose Guiding Families?
We combine professional expertise with genuine compassion — because every family deserves the best possible support.
Independent & Impartial
As an independent provider, our assessments are objective, unbiased, and focused solely on the best outcomes for families.
Evidence-Based Practice
All our work is grounded in the latest research and accredited frameworks, including ParentAssess and CUBAS.
Experienced Practitioners
Our team brings years of frontline social work experience across children's services, courts, and family support.
Compassionate Approach
We treat every family with dignity and respect, understanding that assessments can be a stressful and emotional process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Support?
Whether you're a parent, solicitor, or Local Authority, we're here to help. Get in touch for a confidential conversation.