Assessments and eligibility
In order to understand if a young adult has care and support needs under The Care Act, we'll need to gather some information about them.
This information will come from conversations with your young person, their family or carers, and any other people or services who can make a valuable contribution, for example a school or college, children’s social worker or a care provider.
The aim is to get a full picture of the young person, and what needs and goals they may have.
The assessment will identify their needs across ten outcomes, which are set out in legislation and will detail what the barriers are to them achieving these outcomes. It will also identify any health and safety concerns so that the necessary support can be put in place to keep them safe.
After carrying out this assessment, we'll then consider whether any of the needs identified are eligible for support.
Asking for an assessment can be made by the young person themselves, or anyone who has consent and relevant information to make the referral.
When you first contact us, you will speak to the First Point of Contact team, who will ask some key questions, including personal details and current circumstances. You can call them on 0345 678 9044.
We also offer ‘transition assessments’ to young people prior to their 18th birthday to establish whether they have eligible needs, to plan for support once they're 18 and to signpost to other services where appropriate.
If a young person is already supported by children’s social care, their social worker will make a referral to the Preparing for Adulthood Team if required.
Our Care Act Assessment factsheet provides further details about The Care Act and information about the eligibility for support.