Social Care Children's Occupational Therapy
Croydon’s children’s social care occupational therapists (OTs) provide support to children with disabilities and their families in their home environment. The team is responsible for assessing the needs of these children and their families in line with the Children Act 1989/2004 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.
What support can children and young people access?
The service can offer help with:- Providing equipment to assist with bathing and toileting
- Supplying specialist seating
- Assessing and recommending moving and handling equipment
- Giving advice on home adaptations. Please see guide to adaptation document by clicking the Major Adaptations tab for information on the adaptation process.
- Producing housing reports to guide families who are already on the housing register and need clarity on the type of property that would meet their child’s needs
- Viewing properties for children on our housing pathway. OT’s offer advice as to whether the property is accessible for the child or if it has potential to be adapted to provide disabled access to essential facilities. Please note, if the property cannot be internally adapted, OT’s may recommend that the family do not accept the property instead of recommending an extension.
Referrals we are unable to accept
We cannot take referrals for the following:
- General home-safety items (e.g. window restrictors, tough furniture, door locks, gates) that can be bought commercially and do not need an occupational therapy assessment. A Home Safety Guide leaflet is available for advice and support.
- Wheelchairs, buggies or mobility equipment – please contact your GP, the wheelchair service, or your child’s physiotherapist.
- Toys, sensory items or play equipment – families may be able to apply for a grant through the Family Fund.
- Small items to support feeding or dressing – these can be purchased from commercial suppliers such as Amazon or the Complete Care Shop.
- Equipment intended for use outside the home, including car seats or harnesses.
- Household repairs (e.g. fixing fences, doors or internal maintenance) – tenants should speak to their landlord; homeowners may need to fund repairs themselves.
- Transport or vehicle support – for help with transport needs, please contact Motability.
- Behavioural concerns when the child has not yet accessed suitable behaviour-support or sensory-processing interventions. These can be arranged through educational settings, CAMHS, the TULIP neurodisability service or the National Autistic Society.
- Issues related to social or environmental factors that are not linked to a disability, such as parenting challenges, sibling difficulties, or overcrowded living conditions
Contact Us
Croydon Children’s Occupational Therapy Service
Crystal Children’s Development Centre
Malling Close,
Addiscombe
Croydon, CR0 7YD
Telephone: 020 8274 6854/6850