Disabled Children’s Social Work Team (DCT)

The Disabled Children’s Team is part of the Disabled Children’s Service at the Northern Health Centre.

The team works with disabled children with severe and complex needs to provide statutory social work services as set out in National and Departmental legislative frameworks.

The DCS Threshold Statement sets out the eligibility criteria for children/young people to receive a service from the Disabled Children’s Social Work Team.

The team completes child in need (CIN) assessments of disabled children and their families, works with families to address safeguarding concerns, responds to urgent crisis situations and provides support to children who are looked after.

If a child’s assessment identifies a need for additional support such as a Disabled Children’s Personal Budget, social workers will work with families to complete a child in need (CIN) Support Plan and Personal Budget.

Once a CIN Support Plan and Personal Budget is agreed by the Education, Health and Care Management Board (EHCMB) and if there are no safeguarding concerns and there is no ongoing role for a social worker the Plan will step down to the Family Support and Reviewing Team (FSRT) who will complete an annual Child in Need Review Meeting and update the plan every year as required.