Disabled Children's Team
The Disabled Children’s Team supports children with significant and enduring disabilities who need social worker involvement. We focus on the whole family and provide support that meets each child’s individual needs.
Who we support
A child will receive support from the Disabled Children’s Team when all the following apply:
- They require social worker intervention as defined by the ‘Right Support at the Right Time’ threshold document
- They have a significant and enduring disability as defined under the Equality Act
- The primary reason for the referral is the impact of the child’s disability
Their disability must also meet one or more of these definitions:
- A physical disability that requires full dependence on carers for all elements of care
- A learning disability, meaning a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
- A multi-sensory impairment that requires a significant level of care
We use a whole-family approach. If siblings are identified as children in need, and the disabled child meets the above criteria, they can also receive support from the Disabled Children’s Team.
How to access the service
You can request help or support by emailing:
Requests for an assessment can be made by the disabled child, a parent or a carer.
Next steps
Children and Families Contact Swindon will decide whether the child needs an assessment by a social worker or through an Early Help Assessment.
If a social worker assessment is needed and the child meets the criteria, the referral will be passed to the Disabled Children’s Team. If not, the referral will be directed to one of the following teams:
- Assessment and Child Protection
- Early Intervention Youth and Communities
All assessments across Children’s Services consider the child’s needs and identify what support is required to safeguard and promote their welfare. This may include services provided under Section 20 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970), such as:
- Access to recreational and educational facilities at home or in the community
- Assistance with telephones or specialist equipment
- Home adaptations
- Meal provision at home or other locations
- Non-residential short breaks
- Practical help in the home
- Support with taking holidays
- Travel assistance to facilities