Children and Young People’s Continuing Care - NHS

What is Continuing Care?

Continuing Care is an NHS-funded care package for children and young people aged under 18 with complex health needs arising from illness or disability.

A Continuing Care package for children is different from NHS continuing healthcare for adults. Children who receive a continuing care package are not automatically eligible for continuing healthcare for adults when they turn 18.

Who is Eligible for Continuing Care?

Continuing Care is available for a child or young person up to age 18.

Children who get continuing care will have complex needs that a GP, hospital or community or specialist services can’t meet.

Typically, these complex health needs arise from:

• A congenital or rare condition
• Long term, life-limiting, or life-threatening conditions
• Disability or the after-effects of serious illness or injury

Their needs may be physical, neurological, or psychological.

Can My Autistic Child Get a Continuing Care Package?

A child who is autistic or has a learning disability, or both, may have a continuing care need if they exhibit challenging behaviour.

Sometimes children with challenging behaviour have their needs met through special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision. But it may be possible for your child to receive a continuing care package to protect their health, safety, and wellbeing.

How Do I Apply for Continuing Care?

Only a health or social care professional can make a referral to the integrated commissioning board (ICB) children and young people continuing care teams. They must seek consent from you or your child’s parent before doing so.

The professional making the referral must be able to provide evidence on your child’s needs.

Further Information:

• Contact: Guide to Continuing Care (Link)
• DHSC: Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National Framework
• Integrated Care Northamptonshire: Children and Young People with Complex Needs (Link)