When you’re caring for a disabled child, it’s easy to feel like you’re expected to cope alone.
Many families reach crisis point before anyone tells them that support may already exist.
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
“I didn’t know I could ask for that.”
The truth is, many parents have rights under the Children Act 1989, but they’re not always told about them.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Children Act 1989?
The Children Act 1989 is one of the main laws governing support for children in England.
Under Section 17, local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of Children in Need.
Many disabled children are considered “Children in Need” because of the additional support they require.
That means your local authority may have a duty to assess your child’s needs and consider what services could help your family.
Does My Child Need a Diagnosis?
Not always.
While a diagnosis can help explain your child’s needs, the assessment should focus on the impact those needs have on your child and your family, rather than the diagnosis alone.
What Support Could Be Available?
Every family’s situation is different, and support depends on your child’s assessed needs.
Following an assessment, a local authority may consider providing:
- Short Breaks (sometimes called respite care)
- Support workers
- Home adaptations or specialist equipment
- Family support services
- Help accessing activities in the community
- Practical support to help keep your child safely at home
Not every family will receive every service, but many parents never realise these options even exist.
What Are Short Breaks?
Short Breaks are designed to give disabled children opportunities to enjoy activities while giving parents and carers a chance to rest and recharge.
They can include:
- After-school activities
- Holiday clubs
- Overnight stays (where appropriate)
- Support workers spending time with your child
- Community-based activities
The aim is to support the whole family and help prevent situations from reaching crisis point.
The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011 require local authorities to provide a range of short break services and publish information about what is available locally.
Can I Ask for a Carer’s Assessment?
Yes.
If you’re caring for a disabled child, you can ask your local authority to assess your family’s needs.
A Carer’s Assessment looks at how caring affects your own wellbeing, including:
- Your physical health
- Your mental health
- Your ability to work
- Relationships within the family
- Whether you’re getting enough rest
- What support would help you continue caring safely
Many parents feel guilty asking for help.
You shouldn’t.
The purpose of these assessments is to identify support before families reach breaking point.
What If My Child Is Safe at Home?
You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis.
The whole point of early support is to prevent problems becoming bigger.
If you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask for help before things become unmanageable.
How Do I Request an Assessment?
Contact your local authority’s Children’s Services department and ask for:
A Children Act 1989 Section 17 Child in Need Assessment.
Explain:
- Your child’s needs.
- How those needs affect daily life.
- The impact caring is having on your family.
- What support you believe would help.
Provide any evidence you have, such as:
- Medical reports.
- School reports.
- Occupational Therapy reports.
- CAMHS reports.
- DLA award letters.
- Professional assessments.
Remember…
Support isn’t awarded simply because of a diagnosis.
It’s awarded because of need.
The clearer you can explain the impact on everyday life, the easier it is for professionals to understand why support is required.
Final Thoughts
One thing I hear over and over again is:
“Nobody told us these rights existed.”
Families shouldn’t have to discover their rights by accident.
Knowing what’s available doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive every service, but it does mean you can ask the right questions and ensure your family’s needs are properly considered.
If you’re caring for a disabled child and you’re struggling, don’t wait until you’re exhausted.
Start the conversation.
Ask what support is available.
You may be surprised by what your local authority can offer once your family’s needs have been assessed.
Need more help?
At AskEllie, we help families understand their rights, navigate EHCPs, DLA, PIP and SEND law, and explain complex processes in plain English.
Visit AskEllie.co.uk for more practical guidance and support.
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