Eligibility Criteria

Assessment

When a person asks us for help, we make an assessment. This means that we have to ask for some details so that we can understand the question or problem and give a helpful answer.

In most cases this assessment is short and to the point, but if the person has a more complex need or where a person is at risk, we will ask some more questions and then arrange for a care manager to call and make a more detailed assessment.

The assessment will be made with the full involvement of the person concerned. Other people, for example a relative, carer or advocate may be involved at the request of the person concerned.

Carers may also ask for their own separate assessment.

We answer calls from about 1,000 people each month. Whilst many are simple or straightforward, a large number concern people who will be at risk unless help is provided quickly.

We must respond to requests for help in a way that matches the seriousness of the situation. We cannot help people on a first come first served basis because this would leave some people at greater risk of harm.

When you contact us, we will use the introduction you provide and use the Service Priorities to decide how quickly assessments are made.

The need for services may arise because of physical, mental, environmental or social factors.

What will this mean to me?

The simple answer is that in future some people will get less (or no) service from Children's Services, whilst others will get more. People in most need will get most help.

We will try to be fair and consistent. We will also prioritise for assessment and services in a way that takes account of your individual situation (we will not use an insensitive 'tick box' approach).

No services currently being provided or started in the future will be withdrawn or reduced without an individual assessment of need. A summary of the assessment and service needs will be written and given to the service user. This is called the care plan.

We will continue to work together with our colleagues in the NHS and Voluntary Sector to ensure that we get the best value for the money we spend. We will also work together to develop community services that help prevent problems becoming crises.

There are some things we cannot provide

Items of equipment to help with daily living which are available in local shops at low cost (we can advise)
Help with housework if you do not require personal care
We will refer you to other people for help with housing, health or benefits

Contact

Tolis Vouyioukas

Divisional Director of Safeguarding and Rights

Civic Centre

Rainham Road North

Dagenham

RM10 7BN

Tel: 020 8227 2233

Fax: 020 8227 2241

Textphone: 020 8227 2462

Email: tolis.vouyioukas@lbbd.gov.uk|