Who does what (children and young people)

Most children’s needs are met by their parents, with the assistance of health and education services.

Some children need extra support to thrive and flourish, due to their particular circumstances or additional needs.

This page explains who may be involved when it comes to support for your child, and what their roles and responsibilities are.

 

Parent/ people with parental responsibilities and rights

If a child is aged under 16, the people with parental responsibilities and rights, usually the parents, are responsible for meeting their child’s needs.

If the child needs extra support, the people with parental responsibilities and rights are responsible for accessing this support. They must consider the child’s views on what support they might need.

As the child grows up, the child should become more involved and take more responsibility for their support.

 

Child/ young person

The child/ young person’s views should be taken into account in any discussions about their support.

From age 16, young people who are able to make and understand decisions can choose how they receive their support. If they decide to manage their support through Option 1 (a Direct Payment, where they get cash to pay for support), they can manage this themselves or with help from someone else.

For young people who are unable to make and understand decisions, their parents or another adult need to apply for legal authority to receive the funding and continue to manage it on behalf of their child.

Find out more here: Helping someone make decisions about social care support

 

Healthcare professionals

Various healthcare professionals may contribute to an assessment of your child’s needs by providing information about any health conditions your child has and how this affects their life

This may include professionals like:

• GPs
• Physiotherapists
• Paediatricians
• Health visitors
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Community Children’s Nurses.

 

Teachers/ education professionals

Your child’s teachers or other people involved in their education may also be involved in their support.

They may contribute to an assessment by providing information about what your child needs to access school or college.

 

Social work professionals

Social workers have a key role in many aspects of helping children who need support. They have specific responsibility for completing an assessment of your child’s needs. They may be supported in this role by others such as a social work assistant or family support worker.

The social worker will undertake an assessment of need along with you, your child and any other professionals working with you such as a teacher or health professionals. 

 

The Local Authority (Council)

The social worker, on behalf of your council, is responsible for ensuring that your Child’s Plan is put into place, and reviewed.

Children and Families social workers (and those who work with them) often provide much of the support children need directly.

They may also access other council resources and services such as:

• support within school
• support in the community
• support from third sector organisations/ charities.

Councils also provide direct care and support services.

 

Care and support providers

As well as care services provided by the council, there are other organisations which provide direct care and support, to help your child with day to day-to-day life. Some are charities and some are private businesses.

Some specialise in care and support services for people with particular needs, for example people with learning disabilities.

You can search for care and support providers on the Care Inspectorate website.

 

Personal Assistants

You may choose to take a Direct Payment to manage your child’s support. This gives you the option to directly employ Personal Assistants to provide their care and support.

You can find out more about this here: Option 1

 

Other third sector organisations/ charities

There are many third sector organisations and charities who support children and their families.

Some charities focus on helping people with specific health conditions or needs. They may give you advice and information when it comes to support for your child. They may also run support services or groups in your area.

 

Independent Support Organisations

In most parts of Scotland there are organisations which are separate from the council, which can give you advice, information and practical support with arranging and managing your child’s care.

They have an in-depth understanding of the process and often provide emotional support and understanding too.

Some organisations will advocate on your behalf and will communicate with key professionals when you need help.

You can search for your local Independent Support Organisation using the Find Help search tool.

 

Advocacy services

Advocacy services can support you and your child in meetings and with communicating information to professionals. They can help to ensure the views, wishes and needs of you and your child are being fully communicated and understood.

You can search for a local advocacy service on the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance website.

Local councils should also have a dedicated Children’s Rights Officer who works to uphold your child’s rights.

 

Peer support

In some parts of Scotland there are local peer support groups for families whose children need support. They use their experience and knowledge to help others.

It can be helpful to speak to people who are in the same situation as you and understand how it feels. There are also some peer support groups for parents online, for example Facebook groups.

 

Support for the family

If you are a parent, family member, unpaid carer or young carer, there are other people who can support you in this role too.

Find out more in the article: Who does what (unpaid carers and young carers)