We are pleased to inform you that we are conducting a full Local Offer review. As a result, you may see some short-term disruption on the site. But in the longer term, we hope you will see many positive changes and easily accessible information.
The service undertakes Section 17 (Children Act 1989) assessments to identify the needs of disabled children and young people to determine what support may be required to safeguard and promote their welfare. Following assessment, CwD works with families to access appropriate services and support, which may include social care funded short break provision (respite care), carer support, and assistance to help children and young people participate in local sports, leisure and community activities, in line with statutory guidance and assessed need. The CwD service can also support families to manage support through Direct Payments, enabling greater choice and flexibility in how assessed needs are met.
CwD supports families where a child or young person has significant learning disabilities, physical disabilities, complex health needs, or where additional support is required that families are unable to meet without social care assistance.
The CwD service is made up of registered Social Workers and Family Support Workers who work closely with disabled children, young people and their families to understand their strengths, needs and aspirations.
The Social Workers undertake statutory assessments of need and develop and review Child in Need Plans. The Family Support Workers offer support and assistance to families to help children and young people achieve positive outcomes and remain safely within their families and communities.
The service adopts a child-centred approach, ensuring that the voice, wishes and feelings of the child or young person are central to assessment, planning and decision-making. Support is tailored to the individual needs of each child and family and focuses on promoting wellbeing, independence, inclusion and opportunities to participate in family, community and leisure activities.
Family Support Workers provide practical and targeted assistance and advice that may include helping families to develop strategies to meet their child's needs, strengthening family resilience, supporting transitions, promoting independence skills, reducing social isolation, and helping children and young people engage in activities that are important to them.
Where a need is identified through assessment, the service can provide or arrange social care funded short break provision, enabling children and young people to enjoy new experiences, develop friendships and build confidence, while also providing families and carers with a break from their caring responsibilities. The service can also support families to make use of Direct Payments, providing greater choice and flexibility in how assessed needs are met.
Children receiving ongoing support through a Child in Need Plan will have their plan regularly reviewed to ensure that support continues to meet their identified needs and desired outcomes.
What is a child in need
Disabled children are legally defined as Child in Need under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989.
It is the general duty of every Local Authority to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need in their area and to provide a range of services appropriate to those children’s needs, to promote the upbringing of children in need by their families.
The Children with a Disability Service consider the needs of disabled children and young people from birth up to the age of 18 years old. These may include:
CwD are contacted via Children’s Service’s Duty and Advice Team on 01484 456848 in the first instance.
You will be required to consent to sharing of information.
The Children’s Service Duty and Advice Team ask several questions to ensure that the Children with a Disability Service is the right team to refer you through to.