Needs assessment

Before we can arrange services for you, you need to have a needs assessment to establish your need for help from social care services, and to arrange services to meet those needs.

An assessment involves -

• you
• your children (if it is for a Children and Young People's Service)
• and a trained member of our staff

You may also want to involve someone who looks after you, for example your carer, or someone else to speak for you. The assessment can also include other people, such as your GP.  We will arrange for an interpreter if you do not speak English or if you use sign language

In your assessment we will ask you about -

• your problems and needs
• what help you currently receive, or think you need

We will consider your and your carer’s views and will ensure everyone works together effectively. We then use this information to decide which services to arrange for you. If necessary, we can arrange services to meet your needs while your assessment is completed.

After your assessment, we will tell you which services you will get, who will provide them and where and when they will be provided, and the name of the person who is your social worker or is responsible for managing your care.

See also: Home Care Assessment

How do I arrange an assessment?

For adults -

• Access Team (for over 18s with a physical or sensory disability or for older people),
• our two Locality Mental Health Teams for people with mental health problems although referrals to these services would normally come through your GP
• for adults with learning difficulties the City and Hackney Learning Disabilities Service
• through services offered by City and Hackney teaching Primary Care Trust or Hospital services.

For children -

• Children and Young People's Services, Access and Assessment Team or
• Children with Disabilities Team
• Common Assessment Framework

Online form: Needs assessment enquiry form  

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Page updated: 28 Sep 2009