AQW 54972/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 01/03/2016
Answered On Date: 23/03/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the role of key workers for the families of children with disabilities; and whether this is a mandatory provision within Health and Social Care Trusts.

Answer:

It is assumed the term "key worker" refers to the lead professional in a case. The key worker plays an important role in the provision of services to children with disabilities and their families by carrying out an assessment of need and through the provision of advice, guidance, and access to a variety of services to safeguard and support disabled children/young people and their families.

In cases where, for example, the key worker in a Health and Social Care Trust is a Social Worker then the statutory/mandatory requirements of the Children (NI) Order 1995, Disabled Persons Act (NI) 1989, Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1978, Carers (Recognition and Services Act) 1995, Health and Social Services Order (NI) 1972 and the Direct Payment and Carers Act 2002 will apply.