Social care

Information about what help and support you can get

In this section

Fostering and adoption

Includes applying to adopt, becoming a foster carer and private fostering

Children's social care

Includes help for families and young people

Supporting adopters

If you have adopted a child with complex needs or a sibling group then an Adoption Support Package may be offered to your family through Adopt South West

Keeping safe

Guidance, information and links to useful websites

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

Information about disabled parking badges and how to apply for one

Carers

Information and advice for carers in Somerset

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Personal safety

Information to help you with your personal safety

Domestic abuse 

Domestic abuse is a crime and should be reported - phone 999 if you are in immediate danger

Safe Places Scheme

This service is open to anyone in the force area with communication difficulties, such as a learning disability or dementia

Accident prevention

Every year over 1,000 children in Somerset end up in hospital because of injuries caused by accidents

Bullying and Harassment

Reporting, recording and monitoring incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination

Suspected abuse and neglect

If you are worried about a vulnerable child and would like our help, please don’t stay silent.

Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation can happen to any young person from any background

Extremism

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, trust your instincts and pass on the information, no matter how insignificant it may seem

Hate crimes

Information on what hate crime is and what to do if you are experiencing it

Victim and witness care

Find independent help and support in your local area

Mental Capacity Act

A statutory framework for people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves

Keeping safe online

Reducing the risks when using the internet, social media, and technology.

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Sibling support

Brothers and sisters want to have ordinary lives and positive relationships with their disabled siblings

Somerset Young Carers Group

Anyone under 18 in a substantial and regular caring role can be referred

Carers in Somerset

You are a carer if you give up time without pay to look after a family member, friend, or neighbour who is ill or frail

Caring for someone with a mental health condition

You are a carer if you provide or arrange care for someone else who cannot care for themselves

Carers assessments

If you're a carer, a carer's assessment is a chance to discuss your needs with your local council

Carer’s Allowance

Carer's Allowance helps you look after someone with substantial care needs

Short breaks for carers

Short breaks give carers, and the people they care for, the opportunity to have a break and to 'recharge their batteries'

Young Carers

A Young Carer is someone under 18 looking after someone by providing large amounts and regular care that continues over time

Children's short breaks

Short breaks give disabled children and young people time away from their carers to try out new things, have fun and make new friends

What SEND professionals do

These are some of the people who may be working with you

Mobility scheme and equipment

Disabled people can use their mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair

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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

The DBS helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups

Grant funding for activities during school holidays

Community Inclusion and Activity Team support to deliver inclusive activities across Somerset

Children’s short breaks

Short breaks give disabled children and young people time away from their carers to try out new things, have fun and make new friends

Personal Budgets and Direct Payments

Money identified to pay for support for a child or young person with special educational needs and/or disability

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Somerset Wheelchair Services

Providing NHS wheelchair services to adults, young people and children in Somerset

Motability scheme and mobility equipment

The Scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair