Social care

Support for carers, mobility and equipment, short breaks and keeping safe.

In this section

About Children’s Social Care

Giving parents, carers and young people advice and support to prevent a crisis

Fostering and adoption

Includes applying to adopt, becoming a foster carer and private fostering

Supporting adopters

If you have adopted a child with complex needs or a sibling group then an Adoption Support Package may be offered to your family through Adopt South West

Social care teams that support SEND

An overview of the social care teams who work with children and young people with SEND to support safety, independence and family life

Keeping safe

Guidance, information and links to useful websites

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

Information about disabled parking badges and how to apply for one

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Personal safety

Information to help you with your personal safety

Domestic abuse 

Domestic abuse is a crime and should be reported - phone 999 if you are in immediate danger

Accident prevention

Every year over 1,000 children in Somerset end up in hospital because of injuries caused by accidents

Bullying and harassment

Reporting and responding to incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination

Mental Capacity Act

A statutory framework for people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves

Suspected abuse and neglect

If you are worried about a vulnerable child and would like our help, please don’t stay silent.

Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation can happen to any young person from any background

Extremism

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, trust your instincts and pass on the information, no matter how insignificant it may seem

Hate crimes

Information on what hate crime is and what to do if you are experiencing it

Victim and witness care

Find independent help and support in your local area

Keeping safe online

Reducing the risks when using the internet, social media, and technology.

Carers

Information and advice for carers in Somerset

Children's short breaks

Short breaks give disabled children and young people time away from their carers to try out new things, have fun and make new friends

Mobility and equipment

Disabled people can use their mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair

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Sibling support

Brothers and sisters want to have ordinary lives and positive relationships with their disabled siblings

Carers in Somerset

You are a carer if you give up time without pay to look after a family member, friend, or neighbour who is ill or frail

Carers assessments

If you are a carer, a carer's assessment is a chance to discuss your needs with us

Carer’s Allowance

Carer's Allowance helps you look after someone with substantial care needs

Short breaks for carers

Short breaks give carers, and the people they care for, the opportunity to have a break and to 'recharge their batteries'

Young Carers

A Young Carer is someone under 18 looking after someone by providing large amounts and regular care that continues over time

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Children’s short breaks

Short breaks create positive experiences for children with disabilities. They also give families some time away from their caring responsibilities.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

The DBS helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups

Activities for families and young people

Things to do, try out new activities, have fun and be part of your local community, with support for additional needs

Grant funding for activities during school holidays

Community Inclusion and Activity Team support providers to deliver inclusive activities across Somerset

Personal Budgets and Direct Payments

Money identified to pay for personalised support for a child or young person with special educational needs and/or disability

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Somerset Wheelchair Services

Providing NHS wheelchair services to adults, young people and children in Somerset

Motability scheme and mobility equipment

The Scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair