Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

I've just been told that my child has special needs.  I'd really like to talk to other parents who are in the same situation as me.

You could call SNIP's helpline or send us an email - we can give you information about  support groups in your area.  You could also get in touch with Contact a Family  - www.cafamily.org.uk

What are the implications of my child's illness or disability?

This is a hard question for us to be able to answer.   Your child's medical team or consultant would be the best people to ask about this.  It can be a bit overwhelming when doctors are telling us about our child's condition, and we forget to ask things that we really want to know.  It can be helpful to sit down before the appointment and write down a list of questions.  Sometimes it helps to have someone there with you -  they can remind you of things you wanted to ask about.  The information and advocacy workers at SNIP can also talk things through with you to help you to prepare for an appointment or meeting.

I've looked up my son's condition on the Internet, but I'm confused by what some of the websites say.  One says that he should be taking a different medication, another says that the best way to treat him is not to take medication at all.  How can I tell which is right?  Can you recommend any good websites?

Sometimes it can be really difficult to find reliable health information online.  After all, anybody can set up a website, and sometimes the information we find can be confusing or possibly even harmful.  It's always a good idea to talk about things like medication with your child's doctor before you make any decisions.  

Contact a Family recently completed a project called "Judge : websites for health."  They came up with guidelines to help people decide if a web site contains good quality information.  The guidelines can be found at www.judgehealth.org.uk 

Contact a Family's website, www.cafamily.org.uk is a good source of information about medical conditions and has a large number of links to other websites and support groups.

How can I find a childminder who is experienced in working with children with special needs?

Childcarelink provides local and national childcare information, with details of childminders and their qualifications and experience.  The website is at www.childcarelink.gov.uk

I've been told that I should be claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for my child, but I'm not sure what it is.

Click here for a guide to benefits, including Disability Living Allowance.  SNIP staff are available to help you with a claim for DLA.

Can you help me to get funding for my family to go on holiday?

SNIP can produce a list of possible funders for families of children with special needs to apply for grants to purchase things like equipment or a holiday.  Click here to download the guidelines and a Funderfinder form.

What is a Section 23 assessment?

Each local authority has a duty to assess the needs of children with or affected by disability.  The assessment is needed to access services like respite, sitter and befriending services and  playschemes.    Unfortunately this is a duty to assess but not to provide, however,  it enables unmet need to be identified, and in the long term to be incorporated into the planning system.

Traditionally section 23 assessments have always been carried out by social workers, but recently this has changed to extend to keyworkers and other professionals working with the family.  

To request a section 23 assessment, either contact your local Social Work Department or speak to a professional who works with your family who could take this request forward on your behalf.

What are Direct Payments?

A direct payment is money given to you by social work so that you can buy the support services that your child needs.  Social work will give you this payment instead of arranging that support for you.  This gives you more choice about the types of support or services you receive.  A direct payment is not a benefit and will not affect your benefits. 

Before you can get direct payments, you need a social work assessment that says you need support or services.  Then you need to ask social work for a direct payment instead.  If you already have an assessment or a service organised by social work, you need to contact the social work depart and tell them that you are interested in direct payments.  If you have never had an assessment from social work but feel that you need some support, then phone your local social work office.  Let them know that you want an assessment of your needs and that you are interested in direct payments.

The law says that social work must be sure that you want a direct payment before they give you one.  People can have as much help as they need to decide whether they want one.  If social work say no, you have the right to complain.

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