Social workers
Assessments
An assessment is not a test - it is just a chat with a social worker about how looking after someone is affecting your life and what help you would like. They will write down what you say and try to find the help that you ask for. You can choose someone else to be there with you at the assessment and you can do choose where it will happen.
If you think that you need some kind of help or support in order to stay healthy and take part in school and social activities, then you may also be able to get an assessment as “a child in need”. This would also be given by a social worker who would try to find help for you. The law that says you can get this assessment is called the Children Act.
Assessments England and Wales
If you are under 16, you can ask Social Services for a Carers Assessment whenever the person you are looking after is having an assessment of their own. If you are 16 or over and looking after someone, you can ask Social Services for a Carers Assessment whenever you like. Either way, Social Services have to give you the assessment you are asking for, although they can’t always find you the help you ask for in the assessment.
Assessments in Scotland
Whatever age you are, you have a right to an assessment as a young carer. Social Services have to give you the assessment you are asking for, although they can’t always find you the help you ask for in the assessment. The law that says you can do this is the Community Care and Health Act (Scotland) 2002. The young carers assessment should look at the impact of caring on your life and on your current and future development.
