INDEPENDENT SOCIAL WORK SERVICES FOR SOLICITORS, LOCAL AUTHORITIES, & FAMILIES
Best Interests Decisions
Take a Closer Look
Independent Best Interests Decisions — Newcastle and the North East
When someone has been assessed as lacking capacity to make a particular decision, an impartial, evidence-based Best Interests Decision is needed to determine the right way forward.
Sea Social Work provides individualised assessments that identify the best course of action while respecting the person's wishes and potential as far as possible, serving Newcastle and the surrounding areas across the North East.
Ali gathers insights from family, carers, and professionals, weighing up every perspective to arrive at a well-rounded, evidence-based recommendation, with practical steps for implementation that maximise the person's autonomy.
Independent Best Interests Decisions
Who this service is for:
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Solicitors involved in Best Interests cases for the Court of Protection
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Local authorities needing an independent assessment for a complex case
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Families who want professional input on what's genuinely in a loved one's best interests
What you get:
A detailed, thoughtful decision that's clearly reasoned, aligned with the person's best interests, and comes with practical steps for putting it into action.
The Process:
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Initial enquiry — Get in touch via my contact form, or by emailing seasocialwork@gmail.com
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Complete enquiry form — This will provide me with everything required to give you an accurate quote of costs, timescale and availability.
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Fee agreement — To confirm the work I require a 50% deposit upon booking, the remainder to be paid upon completion. Invoices can be split between however many parties are involved.
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Meeting the person — I spend time with people in their own environment, observing day-to-day life and engaging them in meaningful activities to build a full picture. The number of visits, duration and locations, all vary depending on the individual but I will be able to advise what to expect during the enquiry stage.
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Gathering wider evidence — The time this takes can vary, and can depend on how many individuals are involved in the care. Typically this will take a few weeks but can be quicker for more straight forward cases.
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Drafting the report — First draft?
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Final report delivered — Clear, person-centred recommendations delivered to the Court of Protection, Parole Board, or Mental Health Tribunal, along with the instructing solicitor or local authority.
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Follow-up support — any?
"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."
Anonymous, Court of Protection Solicitor
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.
