Disabled Children’s Service

Description

Coronavirust Team Update - Disabled Children’s Service - care and support

We are very conscious that the outbreak of the Coronavirus may affect the ability of carers to support the borough’s disabled children in the coming weeks, which may place a strain on family resources. We are working closely with our care providers to confirm the contingency plans they have in place. 

Similarly, we recognise that families using Direct Payments might not be able to pay their regular worker right now due to isolation or illness. We aim to offer flexibility around this and will work with families on a case by case basis to meet your child's individual needs.

Disabled Children's Service social workers are carrying out welfare checks with families and liaising with other services such as schools who may be offering you support.

Should you require support around the use of Direct Payments or in relation to queries or concerns about the support being provided by care agencies, please contact your social worker by phone or email.

If this is not possible contact the team so we can help think with you about the best way forward. Phone: 020 8356 6789

Who we are

Disabled Children’s Service provide social care support for families with disabled children.

What we do

Families and professionals who need a short discussion or advice can call the duty line (0208 356 6789) to speak to a social worker in the team. This is for advice and not referrals which will be made via FAST (First Access and Screening Team). 

The Disabled Children’s Service undertakes a Child and Family Needs Assessment (also known as a section 17 assessment under the Children's Act) to see what support the family needs. This assessment may include a carers assessment. 

The outcome of this assessment could lead to a support package in the form of Direct Payments, or through an approved care agency.

Interim support can be provided during the assessment. 

After the assessment families can receive:

• Help with personal care and social activities
• Help from the Short Breaks Service 

Carer’s Assessments

Parents of disabled children can request a "Carer’s Assessment" whether or not their child is in receipt of a care package. 

Local authorities have a legal duty to assess any carer who requests a "Carer’s Assessment" or who appears to need support.

If you are a carer and you need some support, get in touch with the council who will give you information and advice about how the assessment process works.

The assessment will consider the impact the care and support you provide is having on your own wellbeing, as well as important aspects of the rest of your life.

Hackney's Disabled Children's Service does not accept new referrals themselves.

All referrals come through Hackney First Access Screening Team (FAST)

Phone: 0208 356 5500

Fast@hackney.gov.uk

The referral form can be found in the download section of this page.