Children with disabilities

 The law says that social care services must help children with disabilities so that they can lead lives that are as much like other children's as possible.  Sometimes we do special things for children with disabilities, for example we are able to offer some children short breaks away from home.  This might be in a special residential home for children or it might be with another family.  Children with disabilities are also able to use the services that are there for all children in need.

The Disabled children's Team works with disabled children and their families, providing a service for children who have physical, severe learning disabilities, autism or a significant sensory loss or impairment.  The team develops packages of family support based on assessment of need.  This could include support in the family home, residential based short breaks or day care, or help with access to leisure and social outlets for children and young people.

The Children's Disability Team can also provide help and support with:

• transition planning - making plans for children from 14 years, planning for their future and in moving from children's to adult services if this is appropriate
• liaising with other agencies, for example education, housing, health, voluntary sector, benefits agencies and the Careers Advisory Service
• social inclusion and access to social and leisure activities
• referals to social care services Equipment and Adaptations Team.

During the school holidays, the Disabled Children's Team has helped to organise and run a Fun Club for disabled children and their families.  The scheme allows disabled children to enjoy social activities and provides a break for their parents and carers.

Referrals to the Disabled Children's Team are accepted from other professionals, some of whom will be providing a service for the young person and their family, and directly from families who are caring for a disabled child. To make a referral contact the Disability Team on 01226 298508. Once a referral or a request has been received someone from the team will be in touch with the family as soon as possible.

Location/opening times

The Disabled Children's Team
Lundwood Health Centre.
Social workers are available from 8.45am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am to 4.30pm on Fridays.
There is a duty system in operation each morning until 1.00pm

Leaflets

• Disability Guide (section on children with disabilities) available from most council offices and Social Care District Offices.
• 'The Way To Go' Information about Barnsley's information exchange for disabled children and their families.  Available from most council offices or by calling the Disabled Children's Team on 01226 298508. 

Legislation

• The Children Act 1989
• Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000
• The Community Care Services for Carers and Children's Services (Direct Payments) (England) Regs 2003
• The Disability Discriminate Act 1995
• Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986
• Carers (Recognition and Services Act) 1995
• Care Standards Act 2000
• The Carers and Disabled Children (Voucers)(England) Regs 2003

Useful contacts

Chris Nicklin
Children's Service Manager
Wellington House
36 Wellington St
Barnsley
S70 1WA

Telephone: 01226 775648

Websites

Barnsley Information Exchange for disabled children and their familes.