The Central Duty Team deals with most new requests for help from people over the age of 18 and their carers (referrals for sensory are dealt with by staff from the Disability Resource Centre.) If we can help you, we will arrange for a social worker (or other professional) to phone you to discuss your needs. This is called 'an assessment'.
During the assessment, with your consent, we will gather information from you, your family or carers and other professionals. This helps us to make a decision about whether or not you are eligible to receive services. When we carry out the assessment we will also assess any potential risk to your independence and well-being.
You can have an assessment if you:
- are aged 18 or over and are finding it difficult to care for yourself;
- have a physical disability;
- have lost some or all of your hearing or sight;
- have a learning disability or mental health problem;
- have a long-term illness or infirmity;
- have problems as a result of drug or alcohol dependency; or
- are caring for someone but feel that you need support with this task. In these circumstances, you can ask for a carer's assessment.
From 1st April 2003 councils have had to use guidance from the Department of Health (External link) called 'Fair Access to Care Services', which explains the eligibility criteria. The aim is to ensure assessments are fair and consistent. The guidance covers all requests we receive for help (known as referrals) for people over 18.
Under the government's guidelines, councils are required to assess people’s needs and associated risks within four categories:
- Critical
- Substantial
- Moderate
- Low
To be eligible to receive social care services, or for a personal budget, your eligibility must be assessed as either critical or substantial.
If you are eligible , we will conduct a review of your care arrangements at least once a year. This will involve a re-assessment, which will help us decide whether or not you are eligible for services in the future. This might mean you will get more care services or, if you don't meet the eligibility criteria, we may stop services.
If you don't qualify for help from us, we may be able to offer you advice and/or possible alternatives in acquiring the support you feel you need. We may make a referral on your behalf to another agency, such as Starting Point, Paveways Plus.
