Independence and the support required is a key area to consider when planning for the future for children and young people with SEND. Some children and young people may require additional support to allow them to lead a safe, healthy and fulfilling life. If your child/ young person is not known to Social Care, A Needs Assessment is the start of the process for Social Care Support.

Many children in Shropshire who require services will receive them through universal provision within their local community. The same should be true of any child with a disability. Disabled children have the same rights as other children and we want to ensure that, with the right support and the same opportunities, all children lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. The Children Act 1989 places a duty on Children’s Services to provide or co-ordinate the provision of services to all disabled children: ‘To provide an appropriate range and level of services to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need’ and ‘so far as is consistent with that duty to promote the upbringing of such children by their families’.

Social workers in the team assess needs and provide social work support and care management to children and young people who meet the eligibility criteria which requires: Significant Learning disability or impairment Significant Physical disability Complex and severe health problems, including life-limiting conditions They may sometimes be able to help children with less severe disabilities if: A parent has a disability or chronic illness The impact on the family is severe A sibling also has moderate disabilities If your child/ young person has a disability, as identified in the criteria, this will lead to a Social Work Assessment being completed. Where your child clearly does not meet the criteria, the assessment would be signposted to an appropriate service.