Signposting - Social care services - Assessment for social care - Parent carer assessment vs carer's assessment

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Section: Signposting

Subsection: Signposting - Social care services - Assessment for social care

Parent carer assessment vs carer's assessment

Parent Carer Assessment


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If you are a parent of a disabled child under 18 and your child is being assessed by social services, you will also be assessed as part of the same process. This is because social services will look at the needs of the family as a whole, often referred to as a 'holistic' assessment.


The assessment is not a test of your parenting skills but should be a sensitive look at any difficulties the family has as a whole, with a view to considering what support or services are needed.

A care plan should be drawn up that would include services to benefit both you and your disabled child. For example, there could be adaptations to the home, help with bathing or regular respite breaks to ensure that you get the rest you need. You could also choose to have a direct payment so that you can buy in your own services for your child.

Carer’s Assessment

You may find that the holistic assessment above meets all your needs as a carer, but if that is not the case and social services have failed to fully address your needs, you may need to insist upon having a separate carer’s assessment under The Care Act 2014 (England).

A Carers Assessment is your chance to discuss with social services what help you need to maintain a healthy and balanced life while you fulfil your caring role. You can find out more about carers’ assessments on [the NHS website].

For advice about whether your may be eligible for a Carer’s Assessment, contact Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118. You’ll also find helpful information on the [Wiltshire Council website].