Services for disabled children, young people and their families
Children's Services along with health, housing services and voluntary organisations offer support to disabled children and their families. The Disabled Children’s Team based at Harewood House, has the responsibility to assess the needs of disabled children and their families.
The team can be accessed by disabled children 0 -19 years who live in Darlington.
Assessment of needs
The team undertakes an Assessment of Need with each family. This assessment determines whether disabled children and their families are entitled to support services. Eligibility Criteria are used to establish the level of support needed.
Eligibility criteria also contribute to the process of being open and honest and can help families and professionals to understand who qualifies to receive a service and what type of service they should expect.
In addition to an Assessment of Need, a Carer's Assessment will also be offered. A Carer’s Assessment should reflect the needs of the carer and although it is unlikely this will lead to a direct service to the carer, it will be taken into account in deciding what services to provide to the child and it may lead to signposting to relevant adult services.
What is a disability/impairment?
Children and families who are entitled to services through the Disabled Children Team are those children who meet the definition of disability within the Children Act 1989 (amended 2004).
"Substantially and permanently disabled by illness, injury or congenital condition".
This would include children who:-
Have a permanent physical, sensory or learning disability which prevents them from carrying out the usual daily tasks and routines Children who are likely to need ongoing support from services in adult life.
What services are included?
The services which may be provided to children and their families who meet the eligibility criteria include the following:-
- Information/and links with other services for example Education, Health and Housing.
- Assistance to access short breaks which may include overnight or day care
- Links to support groups and voluntary organisations
- Emotional support for children, carers and parents
- Assistance with applications for grants/ benefits
- Assistance to access Direct Payments/Individual Budgets
- Assistance to access outreach services
How can a referral be made?
Contact can be made through a range of sources including families and professionals such as your G.P or Health Visitor, Schools and Voluntary Organisations.
For more information please contact:
Kevin Kelly
Team Manager
Disabled Children's Team
Harewood House
14 Harewood Hill
DARLINGTON
DL3 7HY
Tel: 01325 406125
Email: kevin.kelly@darlington.gov.uk