INDEPENDENT SOCIAL WORK SERVICES FOR SOLICITORS, LOCAL AUTHORITIES, & FAMILIES
Take a Closer Look
Sea Social Work offers a range of independent social work services to help solicitors, local authorities, families, and carers get clear, personalised assessments and recommendations that support adults with disabilities.
Whether it’s an in-depth report for court, a Carers Assessment, Mental Capacity Assessment, Best Interests Decision, or bespoke consultancy, I provide expert, person-centred services that lead to better outcomes.
INDEPENDENT SOCIAL WORK REPORTS
Struggling to find reliable, person-centred assessments for the Court of Protection, Parole Board hearings, or Mental Health Tribunals?
I provide independent social work assessments of individual needs, risks, and eligibility under the Care Act 2014.
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The process: I spend time with people in their environment, observe their day-to-day life, and engage them in meaningful activities to gather a full picture of their situation.
The outcome: Clear, person-centred reports for the Court of Protection, Parole Board hearings, and Mental Health Tribunals, providing actionable recommendations that prioritise the individual’s preferences and best interests, empowering decision-making.
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Who might need this service:
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Solicitors for Court of Protection, Mental Health Tribunals or Parole Board hearings
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Local authorities needing expert reports for complex cases
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People and their families in need of professional support to access the right services
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CareRS Assessments
Need help assessing the needs of a carer?
My detailed Carer Assessments ensure carers needs are properly recognised and supported under the Care Act 2014.
The process: I work closely with the person as well as their family, carers and professionals to gather insights, weighing up all perspectives and listen to their views and wishes, then assess their capacity to continue providing care.
The outcome: Tailored, jargon-free reports that recommend practical support and resources that could enable carers to maintain their role without feeling overwhelmed.
Who might need this service:
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Family members caring for a loved one who need a formal assessment to access support and prevent burnout
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Carers trying to manage their own wellbeing while continuing to provide care
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Local authorities ensuring carers receive the right support under the Care Act 2014
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Solicitors who need detailed reports for legal cases where a carer’s capacity or needs are in question
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Health professionals aiming to coordinate better care by understanding the carer's role and needs
Mental Capacity Assessments
Need to assess whether someone has the capacity to make key life choices?
My decision-specific assessments determine whether individuals can make decisions in key life areas for themselves (e.g., care, finance, relationships).
The process: I conduct assessments in familiar, supportive environments, using tools that give individuals the best chance to demonstrate their decision-making abilities.
The outcome: A robust assessment with COP3 paperwork for Court of Protection applications, providing clarity and protecting the individual's rights while ensuring safe, informed decisions.
Who might need this service:
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Solicitors requiring capacity assessments for legal proceedings
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Local authorities for cases involving care decisions or capacity disputes
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Families seeking clarity around a loved one’s ability to make decisions
Best Interests Decisions
Need an impartial, evidence-based Best Interests Decision for someone who has been assessed as lacking capacity to make a certain decision?
My Individualised assessments determine the best course of action when someone can’t make decisions for themselves.
The process: I gather insights from family, carers, and professionals, weighing up all perspectives to create well-rounded, evidence-based recommendations.
The Outcome: Detailed, thoughtful decisions that align with the person’s best interests, with practical steps for implementing those decisions while maximising their autonomy.
Who might need this service:
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Solicitors involved in Best Interests cases for Court of Protection
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Local authorities needing independent assessments for complex cases
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Families who want professional input on the best interests of a loved one
Anonymous, Court of Protection Solicitor
Ali was really approachable and easy to work with. The case on which she advised had a tricky dynamic and Ali navigated this beautifully. The report provided by Ali was detailed, thoughtful and really helped to move matters forward in the case.
Consultancy Services
Need expert advice on improving service pathways and transitions for adults with disabilities?
Drawing from my 18 years’ experience, I provide strategic advice and guidance to organisations looking to improve access to services for adults with disabilities.
The process: I collaborate with organisations to map out and streamline service pathways, review and refine processes, and identify areas for improvement.
The outcome: Practical solutions that make services easier to access, improve transitions (e.g., from Children’s to Adult Services), and ensure compliance with the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2014 – leading to better outcomes for service users.
Who might need this service:
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Local authorities seeking to improve their services and systems
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Partner organisations needing guidance on best practices and service delivery
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Healthcare providers looking to streamline complex discharges
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Charities/advocacy services supporting people with disabilities and their carers
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Parents/carers who want to understand systems and processes better
HOW I WORK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Local authorities often call on me to conduct Care Act reviews or Mental Capacity Assessments when cases are complex, ensuring legal obligations are met without delay.
HOW I SUPPORT FAMILY MEMBERS OR CARERS
Families usually turn to me when they need a trusted, independent perspective
– whether it’s finding the right care for a loved one or navigating difficult decisions about their future.
I was at my wits end with legalities with my mum, who is 87 and has advanced vascular dementia. We had been quoted huge amounts of money and long waiting times for the assessment of mental capacity and completion of legal documents needed to sort her finances / property. I felt completely exhausted and stressed.
Ali was recommended to us by a friend and she did not disappoint. Not only was she much more reasonably priced, she was proactive, professional, and extremely efficient at getting the assessment and completed documents to us quickly. Part of what she needed to do was talk to my mum to establish her capabilities and she did this with such kindness and patience. Mum really enjoyed her visit, as Ali made the official visit feel much more like a friendly chat. The real accolade was that; a few days later, I mentioned Ali to mum and she remembered her visit with a smile, which is indeed a rarity as her short term memory is very poor. So not only was she efficient but she left mum feeling like she had had a visit from a caring friend.
It has been a pleasure working with her and I would not hesitate to recommend Ali if you need any independent social work completed.
Thank you, Ali.
