ABSTRACT
The process of assessment and diagnosis is as important as the outcome itself. A range of important factors need to be considered, such as the way in which
the child functions, how they are parented and the impact of psychological, social and educational adversity. Just as it is important to assess risks and impairment, so too should nurses assess strengths and resilience factors in the child, family and wider community network. This is to inform decisions about whether the risks and benefits of professional intervention outweigh the risks of non intervention.
