Carer's assessment

A free assessment of your own needs as the person caring for your child. It looks at what would make life easier for you, separately from your child's needs.

Applies across the UK

Caring for a child with extra needs is work, and the law recognises that the person doing it has needs of their own. A carer's assessment looks at how caring affects your life, from sleep and work to your own health, and what support could help, such as breaks or practical help at home. You can ask your local council Local authority Your local council. In England, Wales and Scotland, this is the body you ask to assess what extra help your child needs. Read the full definition of Local authority for one. For a parent of a disabled child, the route is usually the council's children's services. It is not a test of your parenting, and asking for one does not take anything away from your child.

Across the UK

  • Adult carer support plan : In Scotland the word assessment is not used: an adult carer gets an adult carer support plan, and a young carer gets a young carer statement, under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016.

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