DisC: Disabled Children’s Database and Family Information Service

Information service for disabled children and families

What is DisC?

DisC is the Disabled Children’s Database and information service. It’s a joined response by Derby Children’s Trust to the requirement in the Children Act 1989 to maintain a database of disabled children.

Basic information is maintained on children aged from birth to 19 years who usually live in Derby and who have a disability or illness likely to last for more than 12 months and which has a substantial effect on their ability to carry out everyday activities such as washing, climbing stairs, etc..

Disability, according to the Children Act 1989 includes physical, learning, sensory, speech and language and health difficulties.

What is the information used for?

The information is used for planning services. It is converted to anonymous statistics and shared between organisations and agencies that provide support to disabled children and their families. We try to ensure that support services are developed and delivered when and where needed.

All information is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 and personal information remains confidential.

How will being on the database benefit my child?

Being on the Disabled Children's Database does not entitle a child or their family to any service from the Disabled Children’s Team or any other agency. However, DisC’s co-ordinator will be on hand to provide help and information regarding your child's disability.

You will be also be kept informed about the services which are designed to help and support you and your child at different stages of your child’s life. You will receive information about new services, entitlements and benefits.
The database will also occasionally be used to consult with disabled children and their families about current service provision and the development of new services.

How do I enter my child's name in DisC?

The inclusion of a child's name in the database is voluntary. There is no assessment and no need to prove the nature or extent of a child's disability before they can be included. All we ask is that your child meets the criteria given above and that you sign the form giving your permission for your child's details to be included. If you are not sure whether your child meets the criteria please contact a professional who already knows the child (like a Health Visitor or teacher) for assistance.

To include your child's name complete the entry form available for download below and send it to us.

What happens now?

Once we have received a completed form we will send you a letter confirming that your child's name has been entered in DisC. We will also send you information relevant to your child's disability about support organisations in and around Derby.

Your child's name will remain on the database until his or her 19th birthday, unless you ask us to remove the details earlier for a specific reason, eg: no longer living in Derby.

Contact us

DisC (Disabled Children's Database and Family Information Service)
The Light House, St Mark’s Road, Derby DE21 6AL

Telephone 01332 256990

Attachments

Information leaflet  5,246KB
Entry form - Available to download soon

There is more information for families with young disabled children on the DirectGov web site and on the Early Support web site. It is the Government’s recommended approach to co-ordinating services across England.