The team offer a specialist health assessment, known as a review health assessment, to all children in the care of the council.
Alongside the assessment the CiC nurse team offers:
- physical, emotional and mental health advice
- information about the effects of a child’s health history on their development
- referrals for treatment
- monitoring of identified health needs
- preventative measures (e.g. immunisation)
- advice and guidance on promoting health and personal care (e.g. sexual health advice, adolescence, e-safety)
- Health Passport for care leavers which provides a summary of a young person’s health history
The review health assessment takes a child centred approach and is part of a continuous process focused on the actions of a child’s health plan. It works alongside other assessments and plans (e.g. statement of special educational needs).
The team work closely with partner agencies, taking into account a child/young person's:
- feelings
- fears
- disability
- race
- culture
- gender
The service is delivered by appointment in a clinic setting, although other venues can be negotiated with the service.
When do the assessments take place?
- Children under 5 are offered an assessment every 6 months.
- Children over 5 are offered an assessment once a year.
- Care leavers receive an enhanced health assessment focused on preparation for independence.
Phone: 01449 776055 (answerphone available outside 9am to 5pm)
Email: CiC.healthhub@suffolk.gcsx.gov.uk
Write: Children in Care Nurse Team
Children and Young People's Services
Suffolk County Council
Violet Hill House
Violet Hill Road
Stowmarket
IP14 1NL
You can find more information about the CiC team and health assessments on The Source.