Children with Disabilities

Finding out what support you need

All referrals to the Children with Disabilities Team are made by contacting the Child Care Assessment Team (CCATs). Referrals by professionals should be made using the Interagency Form. On receipt of a referral, a worker will be allocated to undertake an initial assessment of the young person and family.

We undertake Social Work Assessments (SWAs) following referrals received through the Child Care Assessment Team or CCATs team (children’s social care front door). The conclusion of the assessment should provide a clear understanding of need that will enable care planning and inform service provision. The team aims to promote the care of children within their own families and communities by sign posting to non-statutory support services, to or providing services if assessed as appropriate.

Children and young people with disabilities are assessed in the context of the impact any impairment has on their quality of life and that of their family. The purpose of an assessment is to gather information to analyse a child's needs and decide if support is required. We do this by talking with parents/ carers and the child. With consent we will liaise closely with other professionals such as teachers, health visitors, doctors and voluntary agency workers that are involved with the child or family.