Self Directed Support Guide for Children
Self Directed Support is about helping you to arrange support for your child in a way that is meaningful to your child and your family.
We keep the child at the centre of all decision making
At present, we have options available for Self-Directed Support for children across West Lothian. These options are regularly reviewed with Children`s Services working together to develop further Self-Direct Support options for children and their families.
Self-Directed Support is available to some children with a disability and their carers. West Lothian Child Disability Service aims to promote social inclusion and to maximise the potential of individual children with an emphasis on providing, as far as possible, services in the local community. The Child Disability Service undertake assessments to consider the impact of the child's disability and identify any potential supports. For those children whose needs cannot be met within universal services, they may be eligible for a Self Directed Support budget.
West Lothian Child Disability Service also undertake Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements, to assess the impact of the caring role on those providing care to a child with a disability. Using local eligibility criteria, some carers may be eligible to a Self Directed Support budget.
Self Directed Support is also an option within the Listen & Link Service (opens new window). Listen & Link is an early intervention phone line service for children, young people and families who have concerns for the mental wellbeing of a child or young person in their household. Or, the child or young person may be worried about their own mental wellbeing. The service is self-referral. This means a young person or adult can make the call themselves, directly to the service. Or someone they trust can make the call on their behalf, asking Listen & Link to make contact
The Listen & Link Service (opens new window) will be aware of lots of different services and resources available. Importantly, you may also have ideas about what could help your current family situation. This is where SDS can give you the control of what will benefit your family and give you as a family the choice of how you spend the money provided. More information about the Listen & Link Service and how to contact them can be found at Listen & Link Service (opens new window)
Making a Referral for Adult Support Plan or Young Carer Statement
Referrals for Parent Carers of a child under 18yrs can request an Adult Carer Support Plan via Child Disability Service CDSDUTY@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)
For a Young Carer Statement a referral can be made by;
Email: YCSreferrals@Westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) or
Telephone: 01506 282252.