Parent Carer Needs Assessment

What is a Parent Carer Needs Assessment (PCNA)? 

A parent carer, like all carers, is entitled to a Carer's Assessment to find out what help they need and how these needs can be met. In the case of parent carers, the assessment is known as a Parent Carers Needs Assessment. A parent carer is defined in the Care Act 2014 as a person aged 18 and over who provides or intends to provide care for a disabled child for whom the person has parental responsibility. 

Parent Carer Needs Assessment 

A Parent Carer Needs Assessment (PCNA) is used to understand how a parent's caring role affects their wellbeing, feelings, and choices about caring. 

The assessment helps us to explore: 

• what help is needed to support you as a carer of a child or young person with additional needs or disabilities or both 
• what additional help and support may be available to you 

Who completes a PCNA? 

The statutory duty to carry out Parent Carers Needs Assessments (PCNA) has been delegated by Gateshead Council to Caregivers Connected Gateshead - Carers Federation. 

The types of support Caregivers Connected Gateshead might think about following a PCNA may include: 

• assistance to check benefits - this makes sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to
• referral to SENDIASS
• advice, strategies, and resources - giving access to the tools you need to manage or understand your child's behaviour
• providing details of local services which may support you, including parent carer-led groups
• peer support groups and training
• referral adult social care - support with your own social care needs, if appropriate
• access to young carers support - this helps siblings to get the support they might need

The process 

To be eligible for an assessment you must live in Gateshead and provide care for a disabled child for whom you have parental responsibility for. 

To make a request for a Parent Carer Needs Assessment, you can contact them via:
https://caregiversconnectedgateshead.co.uk
Phone: 0808 8010350 
Email: info@caregiversconnectedgateshead.co.uk  
WhatsApp or text: 077 4041 0314