Parent Carer support

Advice and support for Parent Carers and how to request an assessment.

Parent carers provide ongoing, substantial support and care to a child or young person. This includes grown up children who could not manage without help due to:

  • illness
  • disabilities
  • mental health needs
  • substance use

As a parent carer, you are less like to see yourself as a carer. Health and social care professionals are also less likely to see you as carer.

It is important, however, to recognise yourself as a carer so that you can be given the support you need. This may include:

  • practical help
  • emotional support
  • financial assistance

Needs assessment

As a parent carer, you are entitled to a Parent Carer's Assessment to find out what help you need and how these needs can be met.

This would mean support and help for you as a carer and recognising your role in your child's life.

It is important to make sure your needs are also discussed and considered when planning any package of care for your child. This can include:

  • employment
  • training
  • education
  • leisure
  • maintaining relationships
  • social and family life

How to get a Parent Carer's Assessment

Parent Carers can self-refer.

Contact your local carer's organisation:

Child's Needs Assessment

Your child may be eligible for support from social services.

They will carry out an initial assessment to find what help is needed.

If your child is eligible, they will refer you and your family for a Child and Family Assessment to find out what your needs are and if they can help. It will take into account:

  • the views of the child
  • your views
  • the development needs of the child
  • the capacity of the parent/carer to meet those needs
  • the impact of the home environment
  • support networks on the parents ability to support their child

They will discuss what services are available to achieve good outcomes.

If your child is not eligible, they will provide advice and information on other services that may be available in area.

How to get a Child's Needs Assessment

For more information or to request an assessment, contact the Children with Disabilities Team.

Telephone: 0333 240 1727

Cumberland SEND Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS)

SENDIASS offers free impartial information, advice and support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Their aim is to empower parents/carers and young people to feel confident with:

  • self-advocacy - expressing their views and wishes
  • their rights under SEND law and legislation

SENDIASS provide different levels of involvement dependent on your needs.

Visit the Cumberland SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) website