16.1 The council will assess the needs of someone aged under 18 where:
- the young person appears likely to have care and support needs when they turn 18
- the assessment would be of significant benefit to the young person and
- the young person consents to assessment. If the young person does not consent, we will respect their wishes except where they:
- lack capacity / are not competent to consent and we are satisfied that assessment is in their best interest, or
- are experiencing / at risk of abuse or neglect
16.2 The purpose of the assessment is to provide advance information about whether or not the young person’s needs are likely to meet Care Act eligibility criteria when they turn 18.
16.3 Young people aged under 18 with care and support needs (or their parents / carers) may request a child’s needs assessment under Section 58 of the Care Act. Assessment should be requested in time for the council to carry out the assessment and provide advice before the young person’s 18th birthday.
16.4 If the council declines a request for an assessment, we will provide:
- our written reasons for the decision, and
- information and advice about what might help to prevent, reduce or delay the development of needs for care and support
16.5 Young people retain the right to request a new assessment even if they / the council have previously declined one.
16.6 Assessment will be appropriate and proportionate to the young person’s needs and circumstances.
16.7 If all parties agree, the council may combine the assessment with another related assessment / plan / review, for example of the young person’s health or educational needs.
16.8 We will actively support young people to be involved in assessment. We will involve anyone that the young person wishes to be involved or is needed to support involvement, such as an independent advocate or interpreter. We may involve the young person’s parent(s) and / or anyone else who is significant in their life.
16.9 Young people with capacity and who are competent to do so may complete a supported self assessment with the council provided that we agree that this is appropriate. The council will provide materials, information and support as needed.
16.10 When the assessment process has been completed, the council will:
- assure itself that assessment information is an accurate and complete reflection of the young person’s likely needs, how needs are likely to impact on their wellbeing and what they wish to achieve
- write to the young person or their representative to give an indication of what the young person’s needs are likely to be when they turn 18 and which if any needs are likely to meet Care Act eligibility criteria. We will also provide information about what support may be available to them if needs are likely to be ineligible
16.11 Depending on when the assessment occurred and whether or not the young person’s needs and circumstances have changed, the council may decide to use the information gathered during the assessment to inform an assessment of adult needs under the Care Act - see section 6 Assessment of Needs.
