Tips for parents on accessing social services

• If your child has a disability, they are classed as a ‘child in need’ under the Children Act 1989.  This means you are entitled to ask social services for an assessment to determine what support your child needs. 
• If you feel comfortable you can contact social services yourself asking for an assessment. You can also someone else to make the referral on your behalf.
• Once social services have logged your request they will send you (or whoever made the referral for you) a form to complete.  This will give you the chance to explain in more detail what you think your child’s needs are, and also how you and your child will benefit from access to appropriate services.  
• When your local Children with Disabilities Team receive your form they will let you know if you are eligible for an assessment. If you meet their threshold, they will arrange a visit to see you at home and carry out what they call an initial/core assessment.  
• It’s a good idea to get ready for this visit by recording a diary of a typical day, including any impact on other family members like your child’s brothers and sisters. Don’t be afraid to use worst case scenarios! This will help you to answer any questions the social worker asks – and they are likely to ask many – so it’s best to prepared. It will also help you clarify what your own questions are.  
• If possible you may want to ask a friend or family member to sit in with you on the initial/core assessment.  This is only an option. If you feel confident that you can do it on your own, then go ahead.
• During the assessment you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions. Your social worker will be taking notes as they talk to you, so you may want to consider taking notes yourself so that nothing is unclear or misunderstood. 
• Following the meeting you can ask your social worker to read out their notes. This will help you feel confident that that they have an accurate statement of what you discussed.  
• The social worker will then usually discuss your case at a panel meeting. They will send you their decision in an Initial Assessment Plan along with and outline of the provision they propose to provide for you. 
• Another important thing to note is that if you are struggling to care for your child, you can also request a carer’s assessment for yourself.  The Carers Act 2014 says you can ask for this assessment of your own needs to check if you need more help you to continue care for your child effectively. If they think you have a case, social services may put more measures in place to support your child and you.

Key points to remember:

• Keep a diary of events to provide a clear picture of your needs
• Write down questions you have before and during the interview
• Ask for a copy of the assessment
• Proofread it to make sure you are happy with its contents
• Request changes if the assessment needs amendments and ask for an updated copy
• Ask when you should expect to hear about next steps

Here is a list of some of the help social services may offer you or tell you about following your Initial/core assessment. Most of them are fully funded by your local authority.

• Help adapting your home (for example an occupational therapist may visit you to check whether your home needs any aids and adaptations to make living more comfortable for your child)
• Holiday play schemes
• Short break services
• Financial help towards travel costs for hospital visits
• Respite care
• Benefits including Disability Living Allowance
• Personal care you may need help with washing or feeding your child
• Someone to come to your house to care for your child while you go out
• Direct payments that allow you to pay for your child’s care and give you more independence and flexibility
• Support groups in your local area