Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Parent carers

Parents and guardians of disabled children have some rights and support that are different from adult carers, alongside the wider disabled children's system.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

If you are the parent or guardian of a disabled child, you may be entitled to a parent carer's needs assessment, as well as support through the education, health and social care systems for your child.

Parent carer's needs assessment

  • In England, parent carers can ask their council for a parent carer's needs assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014.
  • This looks at the support you need to carry on parenting well, including your own health, work and other children.
  • It is separate from, but can happen alongside, any assessment of your child's needs.

Joining up support for your child

Support for a disabled child often spans education (such as an Education, Health and Care plan in England), health services, and children's social care, and it can help to keep a single record of assessments, plans and contacts.

  • Ask about a 'team around the family' or key worker approach if you are dealing with several services.
  • Short breaks (sometimes called respite for children) may be available through children's social care.

Checklist

  • Ask your council's children's services for a parent carer's needs assessment.
  • Keep copies of all assessments, plans and letters relating to your child in one place.
  • Ask about short breaks or respite specifically for disabled children.
  • Check what support is available through your child's school or setting.
  • Contact Contact (the charity) or your local carers service for parent carer support groups.
  • Ask about Disability Living Allowance for children if you have not already claimed it.

Common mistakes

  • Focusing only on your child's assessment and forgetting you can ask for one for yourself.
  • Not telling schools or services about changes in your child's needs promptly.
  • Assuming short breaks are only for the most severe cases; eligibility criteria vary and are worth checking.
  • Not keeping a paper trail, which makes it harder to challenge decisions later.

Organisations that can help