If you are worried about your child's development, you can get a referral to children's disability services.
A referral can be made by a:
- healthcare or other professional
- parent or guardian
Referral by a healthcare or other professional
Your child can be referred to disability services by a:
- GP, doctor or other healthcare professional
- social care professional
- teacher or other education professional
- assessment officer
- case manager
They will help you complete the forms and decide which service to refer your child to. You must sign the forms.
Make sure to give them as much information as you can about your child.
How to make a referral yourself
You can refer your child to disability services if you are their parent or legal guardian. Your child does not need a diagnosis or an assessment of need (AON).
Before you make a referral yourself, you should talk to your GP or public health nurse (PHN).
They can help you decide what service is best for your child, based on their needs.
Referral forms
To make a referral yourself, you need to download and complete 2 forms. One is a general referral form. The other relates to your child's age.
Use these forms to refer a child to a children’s disability network team (CDNT) or to primary care services.
- Children’s Services Referral Form (PDF, 580 KB, 10 pages)
- The Additional Information Form for your child's age.
How to fill in the forms
On the Children’s Services Referral Form, you need to choose which service to refer your child to:
- children's disability network team (CDNT)
- primary care services
CDNTs are called 'children's disability services' on the form.
If your child has complex needs, refer them to a children’s disability network team (CDNT).
If your child has non-complex needs, refer them to a primary care service.
Not sure on which service
If you are not sure which service to make a referral to, talk to your GP or PHN.
Include all information
Include as much important information as you can in both forms. This will help us decide on the best services for your child.
Use the Additional Information Form to tell us:
- about your child and your concerns
- add any past reports or assessments for your child
All referrals must include the signed consent of at least one parent or legal guardian.
Where to send the forms
Send both completed forms to your local CDNT by email or post.
Find the contact details for your local CDNT
After you make a referral
- You will get a letter to confirm your referral has been received.
- Someone may contact you for more information.
- Health professionals will decide on the best service for your child's needs, using the information you provided.
- They will contact you to tell you what will happen next.
- If your referral is accepted, your child will join a waiting list to receive services.
Referral to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
Your GP makes referrals to CAMHS.
About children's disability services and how they work
Waiting for services: things to do
There are waiting lists for disability services. Your child will have to wait to be seen after their referral is accepted.
We cannot say how long they will wait. It varies in each part of the country.
It depends on the type of support your child needs, the demand for services and the resources in your area.