Launch of the WeCAN Screening Tool and Updated WeCAN Assessment of Neglect Tool
We are pleased to announce the official launch of the WeCAN Screening Tool and the updated WeCAN Assessment of Neglect Tool, which took place on Tuesday at our Neglect and Child Sexual Abuse event.
These important developments mark a significant step forward in strengthening how we identify and respond to neglect across the partnership.
Why this matters
Neglect can often be difficult to identify, particularly in its early stages. It may present cumulatively and can be overlooked without a structured and consistent approach. The tools have been designed to:
- Support early identification and intervention
- Provide a shared, multi-agency framework for assessing need
- Strengthen professional curiosity and analysis
- Ensure the voice and lived experience of the child remains central
The WeCAN Screening Tool
The WeCAN Screening Tool is an accessible resource designed to help all practitioners identify whether there are emerging concerns relating to neglect.
It can be used:
- At an early stage, when concerns first arise
- To recognise physical, emotional, medical, educational and supervisory concerns in day-to-day practice.
- With families to understand strengths, risks and the child’s lived experience.
- To inform referrals and provide support to children and families.
The updated WeCAN Assessment Tool provides a more comprehensive and structured approach to understand neglect. It is intended for use by lead practitioners when concerns have been identified and a more detailed assessment is needed to inform planning and intervention.
The refreshed version:
- Allows individual sections to be explored independently to focus on specific areas of need.
- Incorporates the views of professionals, parents / caregivers and the child.
- Enables the recording of the impact on the child.
- Includes RAG Rating for areas of concern: Green (no concerns), Amber (some level of concern) and Red (heightened level of concern).
The screening and assessment tools are designed to complement one another:
- Screening Tool – helps to identify concerns and determine whether further assessment is required
- Assessment Tool – enables a deeper exploration and supports targeted planning
Together, they provide a clear pathway for practitioners, from early concern through to informed intervention.
Supporting trauma-informed practiceBoth tools have been developed with a trauma-informed and non-judgemental approach, recognising that:
- Families may be experiencing a range of challenges and adversities
- Engagement should be supportive, respectful, and strengths-based
- Effective assessment relies on building trust and understanding context
The WeCAN Screening Tool and the updated Assessment of Neglect Tool are now available to use. We encourage all practitioners working with children and families to familiarise themselves with both resources and consider how they can be embedded into day-to-day practice.
The WeCAN Screening Tool is accessed through our website.
The WeCAN Assessment of Neglect Tool is accessed through Eclipse.
To support implementation:
- Guidance materials are available alongside the tools
- Teams are encouraged to discuss how the tools can be used within existing processes
We welcome feedback from practitioners to ensure these tools continue to meet the needs of those working directly with children and families. Your insights will help to shape future development and support continuous improvement across the partnership. Please send any feedback to WST@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
By using the WeCAN tools, we can strengthen our shared approach to identifying and responding to neglect – ensuring children receive the right support, at the right time.