Overview
The Dynamic Support Register (DSR) helps health and care services understand the needs of children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism.
It helps services work together so your child gets the right care and support. The aim is to help your child stay well and to improve outcomes.
Any professional who works with your child across health, education or care can refer them to the DSR, with your consent.
Support
Your child’s care co-ordinator or lead professional can explain how the DSR works. They can answer your questions and help you decide if you want your child to be added.
You and your child should have clear information so you can give informed consent.
The Link Learning Disability/Autism (LD/A) team support children and young people on the DSR. Somerset’s keyworking programme helps services work together in a joined-up way.
If a child on the DSR goes into hospital, a Link LD/A keyworker will:
- help staff understand your child’s needs
- make sure reasonable adjustments are in place
- support planning for discharge so your child can go home as soon as possible
Information held on the register
The information on the DSR depends on your child. It usually includes:
- name, NHS number and address
- details of parents, carers and professionals involved
- how your child is doing at home, in school and in their health
- care and support plans
- key information to help keep your child safe
Care, Education and Treatment Review (CETR)
CETRs are for children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism who:
- are in a specialist mental health or learning disability hospital, or
- may need to go into specialist hospital
A CETR makes sure the right support is in place. It aims to:
- prevent hospital admissions where possible
- make sure care is good if your child is in hospital
- reduce how long your child stays in hospital
An independent panel carries out the review. This includes:
- an expert by experience (someone with lived experience or a family carer)
- a clinical expert
- a commissioner who pays for the care
How we use this information
If your child is referred, you will be contacted to talk about adding them to the DSR.
The DSR in Somerset is managed by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) on behalf of the NHS. Your child’s information is kept secure and follows data protection law.
The register helps services spot risks early and offer support quickly.
A specialist team reviews the register every month. It is updated by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS.
If your child is at risk of going into hospital, we will:
- work with services to try to prevent admission where possible
- stay involved to help keep any hospital stay as short as possible
This may include a CETR.
For more information, you can contact the Learning Disability and Autism Commissioning Team: somicb.ldasomerset@nhs.net
Moving to adult services
From age 16, adult DSR staff join children’s DSR meetings to share information and plan ahead. This helps adult services understand your young person’s needs early.
If your young person is rated amber, red or blue on the children’s DSR, they will move to the adult DSR. This supports continuity, oversight and risk management.
Planning early helps avoid gaps in care and supports a smooth move into adult services.
Helpful information
The My Rights magazine explains what restrictive practices are and what should happen in hospital care.
It also tells you:
- what you and your family can do if something does not feel right
- who you can talk to for help
You can read it on your own or with someone you trust. Some parts may feel difficult, but it helps to understand your rights.
