How to make a referral to a Children’s Disability Network Team

This section is about how to refer a child to a Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT), with some guidance also on how to refer to Primary Care services, or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Who can refer a child to a CDNT?

Children can be referred by any of the following people:

  • Their parents or legal guardians
  • Health and social care professionals
  • GPs
  • Hospitals
  • Education professionals
  • Assessment Officers
  • Case Managers.

All referrals must include the signed consent of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Which CDNT do you refer to

The CDNT you refer your child to will be based on your child’s home address. See our Teams page for the areas covered by each of our 11 CDNTs in Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow (CHO7 area). 

If you child does not live in CHO7, you can find your local CDNT here.

What forms must you use

You must use the ‘Children’s Services Referral Form’ to refer a child to a CDNT.

You must also complete an ‘Additional Information Form’, using the age category your child falls into (see the links below).

You send both forms in together to the CDNT (the Children’s Services Referral Form and the Additional Information Form).

Together, these forms outline the minimum amount of information needed to make a referral. They allow all teams to accept and prioritise referrals fairly and in the same way.

When making a referral, please include as much relevant information as possible in the two forms.  Please also include any previous reports or assessments done for your child. It will help identify if your child’s needs are best met by a CDNT, or another service like Primary Care. 

Guidelines on the referral process to CDNTs

The National Policy on Access to Services for Children and Young People with Disabilities and Developmental Delay gives the framework for referrals to Primary Care and CDNTs.

Access to CDNTs is based on the range and extent of difficulties a child has and the level of supports they need. Evidence must be shown in the referral that the child has a level of need that cannot be met within the Primary Care service.

An infant between 0 and 12 months of age, who is referred with a diagnosed condition associated with complex needs, arising from a disability, or is at significant risk of disability, will automatically be accepted onto a CDNT.

Referring to Primary Care

You also use the same two forms when referring a child to Primary Care services (Children's Services Referral Form and the Additional Information Form).

Referring to CAMHS and CAMHS-ID

Referrals to CAMHS and CAMHS-ID are made by your GP. All the referral forms for the CAMHS service are listed here.

If your child is referred to the CAMHS-ID team, they should continue to access services from their CDNT during their assessment and intervention period with the CAMHS-ID team.