Children with disabilities team (CWD)

The CWD service is a specialist service that works alongside families across Cumberland. The service is made up of 2 teams, working from bases in Carlisle and West Cumbria. The service is formed of Social Workers and Child and Family Workers. Our service works with children and young people between 0 to 18 years who have severe and complex disabilities alongside children with life limiting conditions. These disabilities and/or conditions would impact on learning and/or physical development, have a major impact on quality of life, requiring support beyond universal or targeted universal and targeted services. 

Who is the service for?

Examples of children and young people we work with may include:-

  • severe physical disabilities that significantly impact on the child's wellbeing
  • severe learning disabilities
  • multiple or severe disabilities
  • severe sensory impairment in conjunction with a severe learning disability
  • complex health needs
  • a diagnoses of autism with severe learning disabilities

What support can be provided?

  • social work and family support
  • support within the family home and/or community
  • overnight care provision with shared carers/residential units or at home
  • access to direct payment budgets when required
  • more specialist short break services
  • domiciliary care in the home

Working in partnership

The Social Workers within the Children with Disabilities Teams work in partnership with other services including health, schools, SEND and the voluntary sector to provide an holistic approach to support, in line with assessed needs for children and young people with complex needs.

It is recognised the needs of a disabled child and their family can change over time or due to unexpected life events.  There will be times when more support might be needed. Therefore, care plans and support is reviewed on a regular basis, at least 6 monthly to ensure the level of support and care is meeting the needs of the child or young person.

How do I access services?

Access to the Children with Disabilities Teams service by contacting the central hub:

Tel: 0333 240 1727 to request an assessment of the child's needs

 

If a child or young person meets the criteria as set out above - a Social Worker from the Children with Disabilities Team will make contact and arrange a convenient time to visit. A Child and Family Assessment will be undertaken in partnership with family and relevant professionals who are involved in the child’s life.  A child and family assessment can take up to 25 days in exceptional circumstances. However, help and support can be provided during this period.

The Child and Family Assessment will take into account:

  • the wishes, feelings and views of the child and their parents
  • the developmental needs of the child
  • the capacity of the parent/carer to meet those needs
  • the impact of the home environment and support networks on the parent's ability to support their child

We will discuss community services that are available to help provide family support and achieve positive outcomes.

We will provide advice and information in relation to support services in your area, if ongoing social work support is not required.