Oliver laws

Independent Social Worker in Norfolk and East Anglia

I am an experienced independent social worker based in Norfolk, providing court-ordered and privately commissioned assessments across East Anglia, including Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. The majority of my work is within public and private family law proceedings, and I regularly work with solicitors, local authorities, guardians and the family court.

Areas of Practice

Public Law Assessments

The majority of the work I undertake is completing public law assessments for the family court. These are usually carer-based assessments, including parenting assessments and special guardianship assessments.

I also have experience of:

• Section 37 assessments
• PAMS assessments
• Form F assessments of prospective foster carers
• Sibling assessments

I have extensive experience working with parents who have learning difficulties, and I ensure my assessments are accessible, fair and evidence-based.

Viability Assessments

I have completed dozens of viability assessments for family and friends carers. My preferred format follows the Family Rights Group guidance set out in Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A Good Practice Guide.

When commissioned to undertake a viability assessment, I ensure that the work contributes meaningfully to any subsequent special guardianship assessment or final care planning.

International Assessments

I have undertaken international social work assessments, both abroad and with families living in the UK who have come from other countries, particularly African and Eastern European countries.

I hold a degree in French Language and Literature and have completed assessments with French parents living in the UK and in France.

DBS Check

I am registered with the DBS Update Service, and my enhanced DBS status can be viewed using a code that I will provide.

Registration with Social Work England

I am registered with Social Work England, and my registration status can be verified by searching my name on the Social Work England register.

Visiting Looked-After Children

I undertake statutory visits to looked-after children placed with foster carers or in residential settings in Norfolk and surrounding counties, including Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, on behalf of authorities from other areas.

Private Law Assessments

I undertake court-ordered Section 7 reports in private law proceedings, including reports relating to:
• Child arrangements
• Contact
• Where a child should live

Supervised Contact and Report Writing

I am available to supervise and assess contact between children and their parents or relatives. This can take place in the parents’ home, in a dedicated contact centre or in another agreed venue.

I am available after school, during school holidays and at weekends. A written report is produced after each contact session and can be used in private law proceedings. I am also available to give evidence in court if required.

Costs

My charges for public law work are £35 per hour, with £22 per hour for travel time, which falls within Legal Aid Agency rates. I charge a similar rate for private law work.

For contact supervision I charge £50 per hour for weekends and after school, and £35 per hour for weekday supervision between 9 am and 4 pm.

Contact

Get in touch.

Please email me or ring me if you would like to discuss potential work. I try to work on one assessment at a time as this allows me to provide shorter turn-around times and complete focus. Although the vast majority of my experience is with children and their carers I have also worked with adults in recent years.

oliverlaws@btinternet.com

07555 509859