Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND)

H.A.N.D. goes on-line…

Some of you may remember that Hertfordshire’s disability register was reviewed in 2004, and has now been replaced by the new and up-to-date database HAND (Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database).   

HAND has been developed to record the additional needs of children and young people aged 0-19 who have long term and substantial conditions which have a marked impact on daily life, or who require significant additional care and supervision. 

HAND provides Children, Schools and Families (CSF) with a picture of the needs of the young population in Hertfordshire, giving a better understanding of what families most need, and what support and services are required.  Joining HAND allows parents to tell CSF about their child’s additional needs and the effect these have on the family.  It also enables parents to give feedback about services, and this information is then used to help plan services for the future, both in CSF and by other agencies e.g. future housing needs of adults and child health services.  The information held about each child is confidential - any information shared with local partners is purely statistical and does not identify individual children. 

By joining HAND, families will receive a card, which can be a great help in getting assistance and understanding for their child in many different situations.  Leisure providers are being informed of this card so that their staff can be aware of what it means.  Families will also receive regular copies of Jigsaw magazine.  The database has already been used as a mailing list to inform and consult with children and young people about new services, changes in services, play and holiday schemes and to provide information on transition.