Direct payments allow families to arrange support that meets the needs of their child.
You can use direct payments to pay for services that help meet the needs identified during your child’s social care assessment.
What you can use direct payments for
Direct payments can be used to arrange support such as:
- personal care in the child’s own home
- sessional support for a child taking part in recreational, leisure, cultural or sporting activities
- family-based short break care
- residential short break care
- holiday support
For guidance about these services, speak to your child’s social worker.
What you cannot use direct payments for
Direct payments cannot be used for:
- services provided by us
- services that are the responsibility of other organisations, such as NHS trusts or schools
- long-term residential care
Employing a personal assistant or support worker
You can use direct payments to employ a personal assistant or sessional support worker to help support your child.
You can employ a relative or partner if they:
- are aged 16 or over
- do not live in the same household as you
Disclosure and Barring Service checks
You may need to arrange a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for a personal assistant or support worker.
We may refuse a direct payment if:
- a parent refuses to obtain a DBS check for a potential personal assistant or support worker
- a parent wishes to employ someone who does not have a satisfactory outcome to their DBS check
