Family Help Additional Support Needs Team

Family Help Assessments

Children and young people with disabilities are entitled to an assessment of their needs.

In Newcastle, this is called a Family Help Assessment. It helps us understand:

• your child's strengths, needs and aspirations
• what is important to your family
• the support you already have around you
• any additional help that may improve family life and wellbeing

As part of the assessment, we will also consider the needs of parents and carers. This might include your own assessment called a Parent Carer Needs Assessment.

We know that every family is different. That's why we work with you to build a picture of what support may be most helpful.

A Family Help Assessment is completed by a dedicated Family Help Lead Practitioner. They will work alongside your family throughout the process. 

Depending on your child's needs, the assessment may be completed by:

• a local Family Help Team
• the Family Help Additional Support Needs Team

Many children and young people with additional needs receive the support they need through local Family Help Teams. For children and young people with the most complex needs, support may be provided by the Additional Support Needs Team.

Who is the Additional Support Needs Team for?

The Additional Support Needs Team works with children and young people whose disabilities or health needs have a significant impact on their daily lives. 

This may include children and young people with: 

• significant and lifelong physical disabilities 
• severe learning disabilities that have a major impact on communication, behaviour and independence 
• autism alongside a learning disability, where this significantly affects day-to-day life 
• severe sight or hearing impairment 
• complex health needs, life-limiting conditions or life-threatening conditions 
• profound and multiple disabilities

A Family Help Assessment will help determine whether this is the most appropriate service for your child and family.

What support might be available?

The support available will depend on your child's individual needs and circumstances.

This may include:

• a Family Help Plan tailored to your family's needs
• support from a Family Help Lead Practitioner
• regular reviews to make sure support continues to meet your family's needs
• Family Network Meetings or Family Group Conferences to help identify support within your wider family and friends network
• advice, guidance and advocacy
• direct support for your child, young person or family
• help accessing services, activities and community support
• support with transitions into Adult Social Care where appropriate
• a Personal Budget, where eligibility criteria are met, to help fund support that promotes independence and wellbeing
• overnight short breaks for some children and young people with the most complex needs
• a Parent Carer Needs Assessment, if this would be helpful

Support can change over time as your child's needs change and develop.