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Looking after a child with a disability

Of course all parents look after their children, but if you're a parent or guardian who looks after a child with disabilities, a long-term health condition or learning difficulties, there are ways to get support for you and your family.

Assessment under the Children Act

One of the first things to do is to get in contact with your local council and ask for an assessment. Assessments are the first step in getting support from your local council.

If you are caring for a child then ask for a needs assessment under the Children Act. 

The assessment should consider all the help that the disabled child needs, the needs of any other children in the family and the help that you may need to care for the disabled child.

The assessment will allow the Council to make decisions about the support they can provide for you and your family. 

Contact your council about having an assessment under the Children Act as follows: 

Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea
Social Services Department
The Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX
Tel: 020 7361 3013: Social Services Line
Fax: 020 7938 1445
Email: socialservices@rbkc.gov.uk

The council has a Local Offer of services currently available to children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers.

Westminster

Westminster
The Children and Families Assessment Team
4 Frampton Street, London, NW8 8LF
Tel: 020 7641 5100
Email: DCT@westminster.gov.uk

The council has a Local Offer of services currently available to children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers.

In most cases, you will not need to have a separate carer's assessment if you and your family have had a needs assessment. However if you do feel that you would like an additional carer's assessment, or want to know about local support available for carers, then the following should be useful:-

Carers Network is the main organisation in Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, and Hammersmith & Fulham providing support and information for unpaid adult carers looking after someone over 18.  You can find their details, and various other organisations and groups offering support and activities on these pages:-

General

You can find out more about local support available to carers on our Carers' advice and support organisations page.

And our Events calendar offers information on support groups and other activities for carers in your area.

Last updated: 11/08/2021
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