The first step to getting support is an Early Help Assessment (EHA). This may be suggested by a professional working with your family – such as a teacher, school special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENCO), health visitor or GP – or you could ask them to do an assessment. An EHA can only be done with your consent. In most areas you can also self-refer directly to your local authority for assessment.
If you agree to assessment it will be carried out by a professional working with your child or family. They will ask you about:
- your family and support network
- any disabilities, special education needs or health conditions within the family and the impact of these on family members
- any involvement with other services
- the challenges the family is facing and reasons you would like early help
- strengths you can build on
- the support you feel would be helpful
Your child may also be involved in the assessment, depending on the situation, and their needs and age. This process may be followed by a further assessment with a family support worker from the early help team.
Try to give the professionals as much detail as you can so that the right support can be identified.