Requesting a children's assessment

Young people who look after a relative may benefit from a children's assessment, after which they may be able to receive additional support. The kinds of services that may be offered include:

practical help in the home
provision of, or support to get, a radio or television, access a library, or similar recreational facilities
recreational facilities outside the home and help to use educational facilities
travel and other assistance
home adaptations and facilities
holidays
meals
telephone and other related equipment.

Other services may be provided such as advice and guidance, laundry services and financial help in exceptional circumstances.

The initial assessment addresses three issues. These are:

deciding whether the young person will receive any services
the sort of services that may be needed
whether a more detailed assessment (known as a core assessment) is needed.

An initial assessment may include interviews with the young person, the person being cared for and the rest of the immediate family, and information gathering from other agencies (the family doctor, teachers etc) where appropriate.

This could be followed by a 'core assessment' which is more in-depth. This would involve liaising with other agencies or individuals, who would contribute specialist knowledge or undertake specialist assessments.

A social worker will usually come to your home to talk to young person who is a carer and their parents or guardians. They should ask for information about the young person, for example, their health, emotional, social and behavioural development, their family and social relationships, and their progress and achievement in learning.

As well as the young person's disability and health needs, the social worker should also consider other aspects of the young person's life, for example, education and religious or cultural needs.

The assessment should focus on the circumstances of both the young person and the rest of the family.

Depending on where you live, your local council will have different contact details and criteria for assessments:-

Westminster

Access To Children's Services Team
Address: 4 Frampton Street, NW8 8LF
Tel: 0207 641 4000
Email: AccesstoChildrensServices@westminster.gov.uk

Kensington and Chelsea

Family and Children's Services
Tel: 020 7361 3013
Fax: 020 7361 2078
Email: education@rbkc.gov.uk

Last updated: 16/08/2021

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