The Children and Families Act 2014 defines a 'parent carer' as:

"A person aged 18 or over who provides or intends to provide care for a disabled child for whom the person has parental responsibility."

If your child under 18 has a disability you may not recognise yourself as a parent carer, but it's important to do so to enable you to get the support you may need for yourself and your family. 

A parent carer, like all carers, is entitled to a carer’s assessment to find out what help they need and how these needs can be met. In the case of parent carers, the assessment is known as a parent carer needs assessment. An assessment should mean support and help for you as a carer, and recognition of your role in your child’s life.

We have a duty to assess parent carers on the appearance of need, or where a parent carer requests an assessment.

As a parent carer you can ask for a separate assessment. However, in many situations, it’s likely that the assessment will be combined with the one for your child and done by the same person at the same time. This should lead to a better-informed decision about the holistic package of support you, your child and family require to meet all your identified needs.

When a young person turns 18, as their parent carer your caring role will need to be reassessed under the Care Act 2014.

How do I request a parent carer needs assessment?

If you'd like to make a request, please call our First Point of Contact (FPOC) on 0345 678 9021.

What will be covered during the assessment?

The assessment must look at:

• Whether as a parent carer you have needs for support and what those needs are
• Your wellbeing* as a parent carer
• Things that could make looking after your child easier for you
• Whether it's appropriate for you to provide, or continue to provide, care for your disabled child, considering your needs for support and other needs and wishes
• The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of your disabled child, and any other child you have

*The wellbeing duty is an important addition to guidance in the Children and Families Act 2014. It ensures that your needs in relation to:

• Your physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Employment
• Training
• Education
• Leisure
• Maintaining relationships
• Social/family life
• Suitability of your living accommodation
• Your protection from abuse and neglect
• Your control over your day-to-day life

...are discussed with you and taken into account, so make sure that these are discussed. If you're entitled to social care support, any package of care provided by us should include a break if you've indicated that this is something you need.

What happens after the assessment?

The findings and decisions will be put in a report, called a ‘care plan’, describing the support you need and how we, and other statutory and voluntary organisations, can help you. You'll receive a copy, and the plan should be reviewed regularly to be kept up to date.