Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has a specialist team of social workers and assistants whose role is to support children and young people with disabilities up to the age of 18 and their families. The team cannot respond to the needs of every child who has a difficulty and so CBC has an eligibility criteria. Broadly this includes children who have a "permanent and substantial disability"

Referrals can be made to the duty officer on 0300 300 8169 based at Ampthill Area Office, Houghton Close, Ampthill MK45 2TG. Referrals can be made by the child’s family or by a professional working with the family or in contact with the child or by an individual who may be concerned about the welfare of a child with a disability.

A decision about the next step is made within 24 hours. The options are Initial Assessment; or no further action.

No further action

• the family are not eligible for services
• if appropriate the team will signpost to other mainstream services or support groups

Initial Assessment

This assessment is done within 10 working days. It is a brief assessment (may be a phone call or a meeting) to meet the child and find out more about the family situation and the support needed. At this stage advice, guidance and support on a range of issues relating to the child’s disability may be given. After the initial assessment, our Joint Agency Panel (JAP) or our Children with Disabilities Allocation Panel (CDAP) will meet to decide what help can be offered. After the Panel's decision support is set up within agreed timescales.

• Core Assessment.   If the child has complex needs, or if a child with a disability is deemed to be at significant risk of harm, the team may decide to carry out a Core Assessment. This is an in-depth detailed assessment and family and professionals connected with the child will be involved. The social worker will look at three areas: the child’s needs, the carer’s ability and capacity as a parent and the environment and the wider support that is available to the family. The family will receive a copy of the completed assessment and the social worker will discuss how their needs could best be met. The core assessment will be completed in 35 working days.
• Care Plan.  Following an Initial or Core Assessment a meeting will be arranged with the family and relevant professionals involved with the child or family to summarise the support the family will receive and the timescales for delivery. This plan is reviewed every 3-6 months, depending on the individual case, and timescales will be agreed by the Council. The review takes place at a Child in Need meeting involving relevant professionals, the care plan is reviewed to ensure it is relevant to the child, if it is not recommendations will be taken back to Panel for further input and decisions. This will be explained in more detail by the social worker or social work assistant
• Carer’s Assessment.   Carers’ needs will be addressed within the Core Assessment. However, a Carer’s Assessment can be carried out separately to support the family. Many parents are used to putting their children first and not thinking about themselves and this is an opportunity to ensure that the needs of the carer are taken into account.

During the Referral and Assessment process safeguarding issues may be raised which would necessitate further investigation and may require a Strategy Meeting.

When the involvement of the Children with Disabilities Team stops the family will be informed and given information on which other sources of help and assistance might be available wherever possible.

Note: Eligibility Criteria information is in the Parent Directory or it can be requested from the Children with Disabilities Team Duty Officer 0300 300 8169