Our children in care team supports the health of children in care from birth to 18 who live in Sunderland and South Tyneside.
The team work with South Tyneside, Sunderland and other local authorities to assess and support the health needs of children in care. They may live in foster care, with family or in a residential home in South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Our team will do health assessments for children and young people and act as the central point of contact for assessment requests.
We offer advice and support to the families and professionals that care for these children and young people and can direct to other services where needed.
Children in care sometimes need extra support with their health. To understand what it is you might need from us, we will invite you for a health assessment. We will try to see you within 20 days.
You will see a doctor for your health assessment. If you are older than 16, a specialist nurse will support the doctor.
You will go to one of these sites:
After this assessment you will receive a report. This will contain a Health Action Plan.
The report and action plan is shared with your social worker, your GP and your 0-19 practitioner. We will ask for your consent to do this. This is to make sure everyone is clear what health support you need.
Any actions should be discussed in your care team meetings. This is so we can make sure you are on track with your health needs and support.
After your first health assessment you will be invited for a review health assessment. This will be with your allocated Cared for Nurse. This takes place every 6 months if you are under 5 or every year if you are over 5.
Some children and young people will need the support of their nurse between assessments. We will work out together what is best for you.
Your review health assessment will take place in a place and time where you feel most comfortable. This means you don’t have to miss school.
Preparing for adulthood
You will receive your last review health assessment when you're 17 years old. You will get a health summary here. This will include:
- details about your birth
- any immunisations you have had
- information on how to access health services when you turn 18
Your social worker or out of area cared for health team will refer you into our service.
Yes. We will only discuss your health issues with someone else if:
- you let us
- if we think that not telling someone will put you at risk of harm.
