Cheviot’s Children’s Disability Service – Shared Care Scheme

The Shared Care Scheme aims to provide regular short term breaks for children and young people with disabilities, by linking them with approved carers who look after them for short periods of time. This can be from a few hours to a weekend a month.

For those interested in becoming a shared carer

If you are interested in becoming a shared carer please contact the Shared Care Co-ordinator who will send you an information sheet and application form. Once this is received the applicant will commence a combination of training and assessment which will take place in the applicants home and if there are a number of applicants also at Cheviots. Some examples of work undertaken as part of the assessment include looking in detail at the applicants relationships with their own family, discussing life experiences and looking at individual strengths. A significant part of the assessment and preparation will centre on perceptions of disability and how we best support people who have a range of abilities.

The process of preparation and assessment will take a minimum of six months and concludes with a written report presented to Enfield’s foster panel for a decision on approval.

Following a successful approval the short break co-ordinator will then look to make an appropriate ‘link’ between carer and child. Thorough introductions and specific training, where necessary, will take place. The carer will be continually supported and encouraged to attend further training. Depending on the child’s care plan a child may stay with their carer for a few hours each week to one weekend and month or for a holiday.

Re-approval takes place on an annual basis and medicals are required every two years for those under 60 years of age. Criminal Records Bureau (Police) checks are required every three years.

For parents who wish to consider shared care as a service for their child

Please discuss this with your child’s allocated or assessing social worker. An information leaflet about the service is available for your information. If it is agreed that shared care is an appropriate service for your child then a referral will be made for your child to the shared care scheme.

Eligibility
Eligibility is subject to Cheviots Children’s Service overall criteria and is determined as part of a child’s assessment.

Required Customer Information
A list of any identification documents/proof of address/letters or other information that the customer will need to provide to access the service

For carers a thorough assessment of competence will be required (Fostering Form F), which includes detailed checks.

Service Level Agreement and Turnaround
None.

More information about this service

Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

Address:
Cheviots Children’s Disability Service
31 Cheviot Close
Enfield
EN1 3UZ
Map

Telephone:
0208 367 8413

Fax:
0208 366 2561

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 9am –5pm

Useful Links

Shared Care Network