Children and Young Adults with Disabilities Service

The Children and Young Adults Disabilities Service is also known as CYADS. It is for children and young people from 0 to 25 years, with a moderate, severe or profound disability. The team offers a full assessment service and can provide the services below.

Social work support

Social workers can help you in two main ways. They can support you in the parenting role and help you to access further services offered by Harrow Council. They also act as advocate on behalf of your child within the local authority and other agencies such as Education and Health.

Home care services

Some children and young people will require assistance with personal care. This may include washing, changing etc. If the social worker's assessment identifies a need for personal care services, the assessment will be presented to the CYAD Panel.

Direct Payments

You can receive direct payments to:

• buy services from an independent organisation, or
• employ a carer instead of having services arranged for you.

A direct payment can only be made following an assessment of need, unless you qualify for a Core Offer short break. To qualify for a Core Offer short break you must be in receipt of medium to high rate Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Moving into adulthood (transition)

Transition planning takes place as part of a young person's special educational needs (SEN) annual review in year 9. This ensures that young disabled people receive support to help them plan and achieve their goals in adult life.

Carers Assessment

Social Workers and Care Managers conduct carers assessments. They work out how best to provide you and the person in your care with services. This is an opportunity to describe your role as a carer and what would make caring easier for you.