This literature snapshot provides a summary of overseas research and best practice on the screening and assessment of vulnerable children. It documents the optimal key points of access and opportunities for identifying and assessing vulnerable children.

The findings have been presented based on stages of child development and stages of their life transition such as entry to care, exposure to intimate partner violence and migration. An overview of screening tools used and the skills needed by front-line staff for vulnerable children identification and assessment are also provided. (from the website)

This literature snapshot is one of a number of time-limited research scans commissioned by Child, Family and Community Policy to inform the development of the White Paper for Vulnerable Children. The snapshot provides a narrative review of literature that focuses on a general topic of interest. It does not seek to weigh up a body of focused scholarship in order to make a definitive judgement about the strength of evidence in support of particular programmes and practices.
The information in this snapshot is limited to a single literature search across reputable online information sources, government websites and other printed materials. (from the document)

Literature snapshots, July 2012