If you are a parent carer of a child with a disability and have parental responsibility, you have the right to request a parent carer needs assessment (see the Children and Families Act 2014).

We must assess parent carers if:

• It appears to us that the parent carer may have need for support
• We receive a request from the parent carer to assess their need for support

The assessment will consider:

• Your individual needs as a parent carer
• Things that could make looking after your child easier for you
• Your well-being* as a parent carer
• The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of your disabled child
• The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of any other children that you care for

* The well-being duty is an important addition to guidance in the Children and Families Act 2014. It means we must consider:

• Your personal dignity and respect
• Your physical and mental health and emotional well-being
• Your protection from abuse and neglect
• Your control over your day-to-day life
• Your participation in work, education, training or recreation
• Your social and economic well-being
• Your domestic, family and personal relationships
• The suitability of your living accommodation
• Your ability to contribute to society

A parent carer may choose for their needs to assessed within the social work assessment of their child with a disability. This should lead to a better informed decision about the holistic package of support their child with a disability and their family require to meet their identified needs.

How to request a parent carer needs assessment

If you would like to make a request for a parent career assessment please call our First Point of Contact (FPOC) on 0345 678 9021.