Services
Social Care | Health Services | Education
Social Care
Social care may be able to help you with;
- residential and supported accommodation for people needing specialist support
- support applications to the local council for adaptations to a property
- accessing specialist services for you
- arranging some money for you called direct payments so you can pay for your own care needs
- obtain specialist equipment
- asking your Social Worker if you have already got one.
- asking your GP or other health professional for a referral
- ask your parents to telephone, or you could telephone the Childrens Helpdesk on 01452 426565 for a referral
What is an assessment?
An assessment involves collecting information that helps Social Care to decide what needs to be done. This will be carried out by;- A Social Worker
- Another professional
- A combination of people
What information will be collected?
The type of information that will be collected include your age, sex, health, personality, race, culture and life experiences.If there are other people already helping you, Social Care may need to get some information from them too.
All this information will be treated in strict confidence.
Information will be gathered and written down. This is important as this acts as a record of what was said at the time and how decisions were made.Will I be involved?
Doing an assessment usually involves the social worker discussing the situation with you. Your parents/guardians have the right to be involved in the decision we make about you.What can I expect from the Social Workers carrying out my assessment?
- To be honest and open with you about why the assessment is being carried out
- To aim for good outcomes for all children and families, with respect for ethnic origin, religion, culture, gender or disability
- To understand your feelings and wishes
- To do their best to support your rights and develop independence without being over protected or put you at risk of harm
- To listen to you carefully.
- To work together with other professionals involved in your care, (where this is appropriate) to get the best support for you.
- To inform your parents/guardians of the outcome.
What happens next?
If it is decided that you will get a service from Social Care then;- A careplan will be written down to help everyone remember what is being aimed for, what needs to happen and who will do it
- The plan will be reviewed regularly, which means that the Social Worker will check with you whether the plan is meeting your needs, or whether it needs to be changed.
- The services that you need will be offered to you as soon as possible. However sometimes many people need the same services, so although everyone may agree that you need a particular service, it might not be available to you at the time.
- If you are put on a waiting list, your case will be reviewed regularly.
- If it's decided that you will not services from Social Care
- This will be explained to you. Where possible you will be given advice or directed to someone else who can help.
Where can I get more information?
If you need more information then ask the person who is carrying out your assessment, or your Doctor, Health Visitor or teacher.Health Services
If you have a medical condition
then you probably have health professionals that assist in the treatment or
care of your condition, including your GP and maybe specialist paediatricians,
etc. If you have a health concern and you want to find out more information
then you can talk to your GP in the first instance. You could also contact
NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.uk
In addition to this the following organisations may be able to help provide you with information on health issues:
Connexions Gloucestershire
If you are in contact with a Connexions Personal Adviser you could ask them for information. Tel 01452 833600Contact a Family
Provides information on specific conditions and rare disorders. Tel 0808 808 3555. Website www.cafamily.org.ukGrapevine
Provides information on a variety of issues including health. Tel 01242 255888 (Cheltenham) or 01452 500080 (Gloucester)GUiDE & PALS
The health, social care and disability information, advice and support service for Gloucestershire. Freephone 0800 444 000GIANT (Gloucestershire Independent Advocacy Network Team)
If you are looked after by Social Care, an advocate could help with any queries that you might have. Tel 01452 427042The Key
Can provide information about specific health conditions and support groups. Tel 08456 583857Education
There are thirteen Special Schools in Gloucestershire, as well as mainstream primary and secondary schools. You can find details of schools, as well as changes to schools in Gloucestershire by going to www.gloucestershire.gov.ukYou can get support from the people working at your school, and the following organisations may be able to help: