Disability
Not all children who are affected by disability - either their own or someone else's - will want or need help from Social Work Services. However where services are needed we support children and young people within their own families and communities as far as we can. We aim to provide services that enable children and young people to have the opportunity of leading lives which are as normal as possible.
Assessment
Under Section 23 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 a Social Worker will assess the needs of individual children or any other person in the child's family when requested to do so by the child's parent or guardian. At the same time a carer's assessment may also be undertaken. The Social Worker will involve family members in the assessment and with permission will also seek information from other professionals who are involved with the child, eg. school, nursery, therapists. The final report will give an indication if any support services are required and how they might be put in place.
Services which may be available:
- emotional support
- advice on benefit entitlements
- out of school provision
- assistance in the home
- short breaks - either family based or residential
- access to play and leisure
- groups for children affected by the disability of their brother or sister
Stirling Council has a specialist children and disability team that covers the whole council area. Initial contact should first of all be made with the Duty team based at Drummond House, Wellgreen Place, Stirling - telephone 01786 471177. Enquiries for other Social Work services provided for children and their families should also be made to this address.
