Support for children and young people with complex health needs
Children and young people’s continuing care (CYPCC) provides a package of care and support for children and young people under the age of 18 who have complex health needs. The NHS arranges this care in partnership with local authorities and, where appropriate, education services. This support helps families manage health needs safely at home and in the community when universal and specialist services alone cannot meet those needs.
Children and young people’s continuing care focuses on individual needs. It ensures children and young people receive coordinated, personalised support.
Who children and young people’s continuing care is for
Children and young people up to the age of 18 may be eligible if they have complex health needs resulting from:
- congenital conditions
- long-term or life-limiting conditions
- disability
- serious illness or injury
As a result, they may need additional support beyond the care normally provided by GP practices, hospitals, or community health services.
Healthcare professionals assess each child or young person based on their individual needs, not their diagnosis.
How to access children and young people’s continuing care
A professional involved in the child or young person’s care can make a referral. For example, referrals may come from:
- a healthcare professional
- a social care professional
- a parent or carer, where appropriate
After receiving a referral, the all-age continuing care service will review the information. They will then decide whether a full assessment is needed.
Assessment process for continuing care
If a full assessment is required, a trained health assessor will gather information about the child or young person’s health and care needs. They will also speak with professionals involved in their care and consider the views of the child and their family.
The assessment follows a national framework and considers:
- the nature and complexity of health needs
- how those needs affect daily life
- the level of care and support required
- the views of the child, young person, and family
This process ensures decisions reflect individual needs and circumstances.
What happens after the continuing care assessment
The health assessor will present their recommendation to a decision-making panel. The panel will review the evidence and make a decision.
In most cases, the panel makes a decision within six to eight weeks of receiving the referral.
If the child or young person is eligible, the NHS will agree a care package. This package may include existing services as well as additional support. The care team will also review the package regularly to ensure it continues to meet changing needs.
Personal health budgets for children and young people
Children and young people who receive continuing care at home will usually be offered a personal health budget. This allows families to have greater choice and flexibility when arranging care.
A personal health budget helps families plan care in a way that works best for them, while ensuring the child or young person receives safe and appropriate support.
Find out more about personal health budgets