Supporting Children with Disabilities

How Sandwell Children’s Trust supports disabled children

Local Authorities have a legal duty under the Children Act 1989 to provide or coordinate services for all disabled children, who are recognised in law as children in need.

For disabled children, these duties are strengthened by Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA) 1970, which requires Local Authorities to provide specific support when an assessment identifies that it is necessary to meet a child’s needs.

Services available under the CSDPA 1970 may include:

• Support and care in the home
• Short breaks in the community
• Help with adaptations to the home
• Accommodation away from the family home (provided under the Children Act 1989)

These services are delivered across Children’s Services and in partnership with health services and voluntary organisations.

Requesting an assessment

Parents and carers have the right to request an assessment under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, as all disabled children are automatically considered children in need.

All referrals for disabled children, including requests for short breaks, should be made through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). MASH brings together professionals from Health, Police, Education and other agencies to share information and decide the most appropriate assessment pathway.

MASH contact number: 0121 569 3100

What happens after a referral?

Once a referral is received, Sandwell Children’s Trust will carry out an assessment to understand the child’s needs. Assessments are completed by Early Help or Social Care teams, depending on which team is best placed to identify and support the child.

The Children with Disabilities Team

Sandwell Children’s Trust organises its teams to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. Children with profound or severe disabilities who require specialist services will be supported by the Children with Disabilities Team.

Support is based on the child’s assessed eligible needs, not on which team they work with. Support may include:

• Help at home
• Support in the community
• Overnight stays
• Short break services

The child’s plan will outline the support they are entitled to.

How support is provided

Following assessment, children may receive:

• Direct support from Sandwell Children’s Trust
• Support from a partner organisation
• A Direct Payment to the family, where appropriate
• Signposting to other services

All assessments are completed by qualified social workers. Teams share training, knowledge and experience to ensure consistent standards across Children’s Social Care.

Parent carer and young carer assessments

Parent carers of disabled children are entitled to a Parent Carer Needs Assessment under Sections 17ZD–ZF of the Children Act 1989.
Young carers and other carers are also entitled to assessments under separate legislation.

Sandwell Children’s Trust usually completes a combined assessment of the child and their carer, but a separate assessment can be requested. The outcome of the carer’s assessment helps determine the overall support package for the family.

Services provided by Sandwell Children’s Trust

Our support includes

• Assessments of need in partnership with Health, Education and voluntary/statutory agencies
• Support based on assessed eligible needs, including help at home, in the community or overnight
  (via an agency or Direct Payments)
• Information about activities, clubs, playgroups and play schemes
• Advice and information about other organisations offering support
• Management of Short Breaks

Transition to adult services (ages 14–18)

Transition support is provided jointly with the relevant Children’s Services teams. All eligible young people receiving services will have an assessment at age 17 to help determine their eligibility for Adult Social Care Services.

Short Breaks may be provided through a named provider or via Direct Payments. Families may also be referred to early help services such as play schemes, leisure activities and voluntary organisations.

Local information and support

The Sandwell SEND Local Offer provides details of services, support and activities available for children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Visit the Sandwell SEND Local Offer (opens in a new window)
  Further information is available on the Family Information Service Hub.
• Visit the Family Information Service Hub (opens in a new window)
  Where services are not required, families may receive advice, signposting or referral to other support.