Parent Carer Needs Assessment
Download (PDF 1.61 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Worcestershire received feedback from parent carers highlighting the difficulties they face when trying to access a Parent Carer Needs Assessment (PCNA). Many said that even when they do manage to obtain an assessment, their own needs are often overlooked. 208 people completed an online survey.
Key findings
There is a low awareness of the PCNA amongst parent carers.
The process of requesting a PCNA lacks ease and clarity.
There are multiple barriers to accessing a PCNA.
There is a general lack of communication around the PCNA.
PCNAs don't assess the needs and wellbeing of parent carers well
For those who completed the PCNA, the outcomes made little to no difference to the parent carer and their family.
Many of the parent carers were unaware of their legal right to request an assessment, indicating an information gap at the earliest stage. For those who do seek support, experiences are often characterised by unclear processes, long delays, and declined requests without transparent reasoning. The findings suggest a need for clearer communication, consistent practice, better‑qualified assessors, increased transparency, and a stronger link between assessment outcomes and meaningful support.