Children Disability team

Who does the service support?

We provide a full and comprehensive statutory social work service to families who have a child(ren) with:

• severe learning disabilities
• physical disability
• chronic physical ill health (including life limiting condition)
• autistic spectrum disorders
• severe communication disorder
• significant sensory impairment

To be eligible for support, a child must be substantially affected in their everyday living.

What can you expect from the service?

The team will assess for a range of services including:

• short breaks
• day care
• residential overnight care
• shared care
• holiday schemes

The assessment process involves a social worker coming to visit you and your child and the other people living in your house, where appropriate.

How do you get involvement from the service/who can refer/request involvement?

If you wish for your child to be referred to the service please speak with a professional who works with your family such as:

• family worker
• doctor, health visitor
• childcare provider

Ask to be referred to the Family Partnership service.

What happens after the service has been involved?

The social worker will ask questions about what life for you and your family is like and they will need to observe your child - at home and possibly at school.

Once the assessment has been completed (up to 45 days) the social worker will present your case to our Multi Disciplinary Resource Panel for a decision.

The team also undertake statutory duties including safeguarding and looked after children.

What can parents do if they are not eligible for the service?

For those families whose child does not meet the criteria for a statutory service, please see the section on short breaks and activities.