As a parent, you have the right to ask for your child’s needs to be assessed by the social services department (in Scotland this is known as the social work department, and in Northern Ireland it is the health and social services trust). You also have the right to ask for an assessment for yourself. An assessment could lead to services for your disabled child being provided, or services to help you as their carer.
What is a social services assessment?
Assessments are the first stage in sorting out what help you need from social services. A social worker, probably from the children with disabilities team will carry out this assessment and organise any care and support that is agreed. The social worker will probably visit you at home to talk about what support and services you think you need. Try to prepare for the visit. Focus on things which would help you and your child. It may be a good idea to make notes and write down any questions you have.
During the assessment the social workers must involve you, your child and anyone else who helps care for them. This is because social services have to take into account the particular needs of your child in relation to their health, development, disability, education, religion, racial origin, cultural and linguistic background, and the degree to which these needs are being met at the moment.
What services can I get?
Local authorities have a duty to provide certain services to disabled children. The kind of services that may be offered include:
- Practical assistance in the home
- Provision of, or support in acquiring, a radio, television, accessing a library, or similar recreational facilities
- Recreational facilities outside the home and help to use educational facilities
- Travel and other assistance
- Home adaptations and facilities
- Holidays
- Meals
- Telephone and other related equipment.
Other services may be provided by the local authority such as advice and guidance, laundry services and financial help in exceptional circumstances.
Register of disabled children in England and Wales
In order to identify the extent and level of services needed to comply with their general duty towards children with disabilities, local authorities have to keep a register of disabled children. Your social worker will be able to tell you what is happening in your area. You don’t have to register your child, and if you don’t register, it doesn’t mean you won’t get any services. However, registration can help the local authority and other agencies plan the right level and mix of services in your area and may be used to provide you with information about support and services.
How to request an assessment
Many social services departments have ‘children with disabilities’ teams. You should find the number in the telephone directory under the name of your local authority, social services or children’s services, or ring our helpline for information. You can also ask your GP, health visitor, community nurse, paediatrician or voluntary organisation to contact social services on your behalf.
It’s a good idea to put your request in writing and to keep a copy of your letter. The request doesn’t need to be detailed but should include:
- your name and address
- details of who is in your household, including any other children
- a brief description of your child’s disability
- what kind of extra help your child needs
- whether you need help urgently.
If you need more information
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