Childcare - alternative, respite and shared care

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

There are a number of services provided by West Lothian Council and other organisations to support children with a wide variety of special needs and disability.

The Children With Disability Team will accept referrals on children/young people:

• aged between 0-16 years of age
• who have a significant physical/learning disability or sensory impairment that impacts adversely on their ability to access the usual opportunities available to non-disabled children
• whose degree of disability is such that they may be attending Beatlie, Donaldson's College, Canaan Lodge/Royal Blind School, Pinewood, Cedarbank, Graysmill or Westerlea Schools

In addition, social workers will assess the needs of the parents and siblings of disabled children. Siblings will be supported by the team whilst the disabled child is an open case. They will be referred to appropriate agencies or practice teams for support if the involvement with the disabled child ceases.

The team will not accept referrals on children/young people who;

• only have a diagnosis of ADHD
• only have emotional and behavioural problems
• have mental health problems
• are affected by the disability, mental health difficulties or substance abuse of parents
• have learning difficulties and attend learning support classes in mainstream school (this does not include those children with significant disabilities who may be integrated into mainstream schools)

Please contact the Team For Children Affected By Disability for further information.

Team For Children Affected By Disability
Livingston Social Work Centre
Cheviot House
Owen Square
Livingston
EH54 6PW
Tel. 01506 777777

Emergency out of hours contact number - 01506 777401 or 777402

FAMILY CENTRES

The council run special family centres which work in partnership with parents to offer support and care to young children aged 0 - 5 years.

These centres are targeted to help families with social or health problems and places are allocated following a formal referral. Children are also assessed for their suitability to use their local centre.

Service standards

We will:

• accept referrals from families, health services, education services or other agencies
• provide full or part time care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years
• help children with special needs to take part in mainstream services such as schools
• offer access to additional services such as medical, nursing care and social work services
• offer a range of support services such as mother and father groups
• offer help and advice about child development, respite care and educational assistance in order to reduce the risk of child abuse

Please contact your local Social Work office for further information on Family Centres:

Livingston Social Work Centre
Cheviot House
Owen Square
Livingston
EH54 6PW
Tel. 01506 777777

Broxburn Social Work Centre
Strathbrock Partnership Centre
189a West Main Street
Broxburn
EH52 5LH
Tel. 01506 775666

Bathgate Social Work Centre
69 Whitburn Road
Bathgate
EH48 1HE
Tel. 01506 776700

Emergency out of hours contact number - 01506 777401 or 777402