Assessing your child's needs - Disability Act 2005
Assessment of need for children under 5
On June 1 2007, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 becomes law for children under 5 years of age. Under Part 2 of this Act, children with disabilities have a right to:
- an independent assessment of their health and educational needs arising from their disability
- an assessment report
- a statement of the services they will receive
- make a complaint if they are not happy with any part of the process
The HSE has produced an information leaflet for parents, which will be available from your GP, Pharmacy, Hospital and Local Health Office. You can view or download this leaflet here.
Who can apply for an assessment?
Any parent who feels that their child aged under 5 may have a disability can apply for an assessment. An application can also be made by a guardian or a personal advocate assigned by the Citizen's Information Board (call
01 605 9000
or check out www.citizensinformation.ie).
What is an Independent Assessment of Need?
An independent assessment of need is an assessment of the full range of your child's needs associated with his or her disability. After this you will receive an assessment report detailing your child's health and educational needs and the services required to meet those needs.
Who will carry out the assessment?
Your first point of contact is your local Assessment Officer who is responsible for your child's assessment. Each Local Health Office has an Assessment Officer. They can assist you with your child's application and help and support you through the process. The Assessment Officer is responsible for issuing your child's assessment report.
The assessment is independent, based solely on your child's disability needs, and is carried out regardless of the cost or availability of services. All assessments will carried out in line with the standards developed by the Health Information and Quality Authority. You will be encouraged to take part in your child's assessment.
Where do I apply?
Applications must be made in writing on a standard form which is available from your Local Health Office.
How long will it take?
Your child's assessment must start within 3 months from when the completed application form is accepted by the HSE. It must be completed within a further 3 months from the date on which the assessment commenced. In exceptional circumstances, the assessment may take longer than 3 months, but must be completed as soon as possible.
What happens next?
When the assessment is complete, a HSE Liaison Officer will prepare a service statement for you. The service statement will say what services and supports will be provided to your child and will be prepared within 1 month of the assessment being completed. You will receive your child's assessment report and
service statement at the same time.
What can I do if I am not satisfied?
If you are not happy with the assessment or service statement, you can make a complaint to the HSE, who will arrange for your case to be reviewed. You can complain if:
- your child is found not to have a disability and you do not agree
- the assessment is not done in line with the standards set by the Health Information and Quality Authority - Click here for a link to the Standards that have been developed
- an assessment is not started and completed within the agreed timeframes
- the services in your child's service statement are not being delivered
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint you can appeal to an independent appeals office. The determination of the appeals officer is final and may only be appealed on a point of law to the High Court.
To apply for an assessment:
Applications must be made in writing on a standard form which is available from your Local Health Office or available to download here. You will find a list of HSE Local Health Offices here or you can call the HSE infoline on 1850 24 1850 to speak to one of our staff.
Further information
- View the HSE Leaflet - Assessing your Child's Needs here
- Read the Disability Act 2005 on the Oireachtas website here
- Read the Sectoral Plan for Health on the Department of Health and Children website here
- Read the Standards for the Assessment of Need on the Department of Health and Children website here
Click here for the Assessment of Need Application Form
You can print it out, fill it in and send it to your Local Health Office.
To find your Local Health Office go to this link:
http://www.hse.ie/en/FindaService/HealthServices/Category/LocalHealthOffices
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