Glasgow City Council has a legal responsibility to make specific provision for children affected by disability. Legislation recognises that the disability of one child in a family can have an impact on the lives of brothers and sisters. Children may also be affected by the disability of a parent or family member.
In providing these services Glasgow City Council recognise:
The City Council has a duty to:
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assess and arrange services for people according to what they need – through personal support, group activities or residential care
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contact other agencies and services where assessment has shown assistance is needed from them
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encourage and develop a variety of services in response to what people need
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protect young people who may be at risk through their own actions or those of other people
We can arrange and pay for services for children, young people and their families to be provided by the City Council, voluntary organisations, private agencies and self-help or carers groups.
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What types of services may be available?
Staff in your local social work office can provide advice, information and counselling.
A range of family supports are available including:
Home Support
Help in the home with personal care, cleaning and cooking or with other practical tasks where support is needed with caring for children.
Occupational Therapy
The occupational therapy service is available to people of all ages who are physically disabled, have mental health problems or learning disabilities. The areas discussed may relate to mobility, personal care, household, recreational and social activities, employment, education or training.
The community occupational therapist visits children and adults affected by disability in their own homes to discuss with them, and their carers, any problems that they are experiencing. The occupational therapist will ask the disabled person to demonstrate the problems being experienced and this will allow the occupational therapist to fully understand their difficulties.
During the occupational therapist’s visit, a range of options will be discussed. These may include:
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advice on alternative methods of carrying out tasks in order to increase independence, confidence and skills
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counselling for any difficulties being expressed by disabled people and their carers
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information on resources available
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other practical solutions in terms of specialised equipment and adaptations for the home environment
These choices aim to provide disabled people and their carers the opportunity to enjoy increased independence and a better quality of life.
Social Work Services provide a range of family based support services for children affected by disability or with complex health needs.
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Shared Care
Shared Care is family based respite care for children and adults affected by disability who normally live with their own families. Shared Carers take children and adults affected by disability into their homes for perhaps one weekend a month and possibly for one longer spell during the year. Length of stay and frequency of visits are flexible and are organised to suit both the family and the Shared Carer.
Shared Care Plus
Shared Care Plus is a family based respite care scheme for children with more complex needs. Professional shared carers are linked to four children, offering each child about 42 days care a year. Carers usually look after the children in the carers’ own homes, but are also able to be flexible, offering care in the child's home or supporting the parents when the child is visiting hospital.
Home and Community Based Care
Social Work Services provide and purchase services to enable children affected by disability to be supported in their home and/or participate in social and recreational activities from which they would otherwise be excluded. Children who do not currently have access to existing services are able to access this service based on an assessment of need.
Respite Care / Short Breaks
Respite Units can provide a programme of short periods of residential care for children affected by disability. A short stay package of care, or short break, is developed offering a programme of activities to suit the needs of the child, some of which will take place in the unit and some in the local community.
Services for children and families affected by disability
Glasgow City Council provides specialist services that include information, support and advice to children and young people affected by disability and to their families. Work is undertaken with individuals, families or with groups.
Social Work Services works closely with Health Service partners in Child Development Centres across the city to provide a comprehensive assessment and support service.
Families and young people who want to find out about services available to them can make contact through their local social work office.
Apart from initial information and advice it is usually necessary to be assessed for a service. There is no charge for assessment but for some services, for example, home care, there may be a charge, but this normally depends on your income. For more information on assessment see What is an assessment?
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Child Development Centres
Achamore Centre
80/90 Kinsfauns Drive, Drumchapel
Glasgow G15 7TS
Phone: 0141 211 6150
Glenfarg Suite
Possilpark Health Centre
85 Denmark Street
Glasgow G22 5EG
Phone: 0141 531 6191
Bridgeton Health Centre
201 Abercromby Street
Glasgow G40 2DA
Phone: 0141 531 6550
Southbank Centre
207 Old Rutherglen Road
Glasgow G5 0RE
Phone: 0141 201 0922
Further information about Child Development Centres
Other agencies may also refer on behalf of families, children or young people.
The Children's Health and Disability Resource Team
The team are able to provide information directly to families, social work colleagues and support groups.
Phone: 0141 420 5500
Further information on a range of services for children and families affected by disability is available from the Pave the Way Directory.
Information for Young Carers
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