Children with disabilities
We have a team of social workers and support staff working with disabled children and their families.
We work in partnership with agencies to provide services which:
- give priority to those most in need
- support children to live safely in their own families and communities
- are responsive to their needs, culture and disability
- ensure they are supported as they grow into adults
See below for more details on the services we provide.
Staff recruit, train and support foster carers to provide both long term and short break care for children and young people.
Shared care schemes provide regular short term breaks for children and young people by linking them to approved carers.
Residential care
Residential and shared care for children and young people up to the age of 18 years who are assessed as having a severe and substantial learning disability. Young residents are encouraged to achieve their potential.
A team of trained and highly skilled staff provide support to children and parents in the home.
A scheme that aims to help disabled children to access childcare, play and leisure opportunities.
Oxfordshire Community Project
Project members work with other agencies to organise and develop play and leisure activities.
Social workers
We have social workers providing continuing support to youngsters and their families in:
- Oxford
- Banbury
- Abingdon
- Witney
- Hugh Ellis Paediatric Assessment Centre (HEPAC), Churchill Hospital, Oxford. Oxfordshire's Child Development Centre
- Hernes House, resources centre for children with learning disabilities
- Down's Syndrome service, Park Road, Oxford
Services for teenagers
Young people aged 14-18 can receive an integrated assessment by care managers to identify needs and form the basis of a care plan.
Most youngsters aged 16-17 cannot get means-tested benefits. Young people are expected either to be supported by parents, or be in education, full-time employment or Work Based Learning for Young People, which used to be called Youth Training. There are, however, a few exceptions. Find out more about benefits for 16 and 17 year olds.
Working in partnership
Barnardos manage two resource centres for the team:
- Summerfield in Abingdon
- Sycamore in Banbury
- The Children’s Society manages Western Corner play and leisure activities in Witney.
The team also works with other groups and organisations across the county.
How can youngsters obtain services?
Children need to be assessed by our Children and Families team. If you would like more information about this service, you can complete this online form or telephone Social & Community Services at 0845 050 7666.
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