Family Assessment and Intervention Service (FAIS)

Family Assessment and Intervention Service offers a range of parenting assessments and support services aimed at offering families an opportunity to address their difficulties and build on their strengths.

We work with families where their difficulties prevent them from having the care of their children or where there are concerns for the welfare of their children, from pre-birth to 17 years of age.

The service is based on a Community Based Assessment model, engaging with families within the community and also within the family centre setting in the following locations:

Colin Family Centre, Pembrooke Loop, Dunmurry Tel: (028) 9030 1828

Knocknashinna Family Centre, Knocknashinna Rd, Downpatrick Tel: (028) 4461 5208

Simpson Family Resource Centre, 40 Manse Road Bangor Tel: (028) 9127 1538


  • Concurrent Care Service

    The service also offers concurrent care assessments. Concurrent planning has the overall aim of achieving earlier permanence decisions for looked after children under 2 years old, focusing on the child’s time-frame and need for security and stability as early as possible.

    Concurrent planning is the process of working towards rehabilitation while at the same time establishing an alternative permanent plan. These assessments are led by a Senior Social Work Practitioner.

  • Referral

    Referrals are made by the Child & Family Team Field Social Worker by submitting a completed referral form directly to the Principal Social Worker responsible for the service.

    This is done via email to: FamilyAssessment.InterventionService@setrust.hscni.net.

    Each referral is heard at a multi-disciplinary referrals panel chaired by the Principal Social Worker. This panel is convened on a monthly basis. If the panel agrees that a referral is suitable, the next step is for a worker from the service to visit the family at home to introduce themselves and discuss the referral.

    Following this visit a Contract Meeting will be held. This meeting will agree the specific nature and remit of the assessment, including attendance, timescales and review arrangements.

    Assessments will take place over a period of 12 weeks unless there are specific circumstances which require a different timescale.

Family with two young boys at group class

Contact Details

Family Assessment and Intervention Service

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