Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for looked after children - the Norfolk approach
What is the SDQ?
The SDQ is a questionnaire designed to measure emotional health and behaviour. It measures strengths as well as difficulties.
Why is it being done?
The government decided to take an annual measure of the emotional and behavioural health of all looked after children; this became a national performance indicator in 2008. It is a legal requirement for carers to complete the SDQ annually.
Who completes it?
The primary carer of all looked after children aged 4-16 who have been in care continuously on 31 March of each year. In addition, the social worker may decide to get triangulated data from the school/young person, although this information isn’t reported to the Department for Education (DfE).
For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions.