In Camden, services for these children are delivered by the CYPDS in partnership with Camden health services under the MOSAIC umbrella and working closely with the Special Educational Needs service.

CYPDS policies and services have been designed to ensure that the service meets the standards set out in the SEND code of practice. which provides the statutory framework for services for children and young people with SEND aged 0-25. 

The code of practice also sets out the key principles for working with children with disabilities and their families, particularly in ensuring that Camden fulfils its duty under the Equality Act 2010 so that children with disabilities are not discriminated against when Camden make decisions about providing services.

The CYPDS provides a variety of services for children and young people with SEND that aims to meet their additional needs arising from their disability and providing support to their family.

Services include additional activities such as play activities to help children and young people engage with the community and their peers and improve functioning  and to provide parents and carers with a break.

The level of service provided is linked to the child's assessed needs and service provision is based on the least intrusive method of delivery depending on the level of services.

For example, children and young people with complex needs will receive a full social work service but many children and young people will have a package of care that is agreed and reviewed annually by the Short Breaks panel.

Services are also based on the child's age as needs are likely to change through time and this enables the service to be flexible. Between the ages of 0 and 18 all children will receive a social care service as a child in need under the Children Act 1989.

From the age of 14 the service will work with young people to assess their future needs and plan for future provision in order to prepare them for adulthood. 

From the age of 18 the service will work in partnership with Adult Social Care Services and health services to assess the young person's eligibility for services under the Care Act 2014 and ensure a smooth transition on to suitable services that supports the young person to independence. 

The service also works closely with Camden’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) service and the local specialist educational providers as many of the children and young people meeting the threshold for a CYPDS service also require an Education, Health and Care plan under SEND legislation.

Sections 1.1 to 1.3 of the CYPDS policy and procedures provides further details.