Hello everyone,
My name is Tania and I am a Social Work Team Manager for Enfield Council.
I have been asked to write a blog about how you can contact Adult Social Care (Social Services) to discuss your circumstances and receive a Care Act Assessment, also referred to as ‘Needs Assessment’, ‘Social Care Assessment’. I hope you find this information useful.
Firstly, I would like to start off by telling you that you do not need to have a diagnosis of Autism to contact Social Services, or to request to have a Care Act assessment/ Needs Assessment. I know that some of you may be going through the diagnostic stage or waiting for confirmation of a diagnosis and would like to know if Social Services can connect you to support, or if you are eligible for services.
Here is what the Care Act 2014 says:
Local authorities must ensure that any adult with an appearance of care and support needs, and any carer with an appearance of need for support, receives a proportionate assessment which identifies their level of needs. (Care and Support Statutory Guidance, Chapter 6.28)
We are aware that for some adults, their difficulties and challenges may not be visible or due to a physical disability, chronic illness or sensory impairment. We also understand that for people who are Autistic (or are exploring a diagnosis), no two days are the same and your challenges are likely to vary, and needs fluctuate daily. It is therefore important that we communicate with you, about how things are and what impact this has on your well being and life.
If you are having difficulties in achieving day to day tasks; there are areas in your life that you would like to improve, AND you do not have a diagnosis of a ‘learning disability’, you can contact our Single Point of Access (SPA) team to discuss your situation further on 0208 379 1001.
If you do have a learning disability, you can contact the Integrated Learning Disabilities Team who can support you further on 020 8379 5039.
The Assessment Process
Please click on the button for the information you would like
I hope you have found this helpful. If you would like more information about what is available in your local community or how you can access Social Services, you can visit MyLife https://mylife.enfield.gov.uk/homepage.
Best wishes
Tania Sanger
Team Manager
Adult Social Care
