My disabled son was sectioned and sent to the other side of the country AMA

[Homesnothospitals]

We had 2 to 3 hours notice. He’d never been away from me for more than about 2 days before. Now it’s a 2 day round trip to see him (we leave at about 9am on a Sunday usually, get back home about 9pm on the Monday).

Happy to share his story. Long time Mnetter but his story needs to be anonymous, so please don’t out me.

We didn’t have deputyship at the time. He’d only just turned 18 and health and welfare takes about 9 months to come through (if you get it, it’s really not guaranteed). We now have financial deputyship and the health and welfare is waiting to be seen by a judge.

But even with deputyship we wouldn’t have been able to stop it as it was a sectioning. He’d been at home for two weeks prior to moving into the emergency package & it had been really difficult so I think if we had tried to insist there would either have been a safeguarding for him (our house isn’t very safe for him) or children’s would have put in one for the younger siblings.

We were told that he was being sectioned due to lack of community resources, and that he had been failed. Of course legally no-one should be sectioned for that but had we challenged there was nowhere ejse for him to go anyway. So officially he is sectioned under the learning disability/wishy washy dangerous behaviour bit, but in reality he’s been sectioned due to lack of crisis community provision.

Of course the actual bottom line reason is the providers who served incredibly short notice and made him homeless. The community team did try.

Thank you for your reply.

The cuts are causing so many issues for the most vulnerable.

Yep - and private providers (especially large ones) have commissioners over a barrel.

There is no accountability. The large ones can (& do) what they like.

I have no idea how the people at the top sleep at night (probably very well in their expensive beds)

Oh I know!

My own daughter is in her late teens and disabled.

I am so sorry to read this and to know that it is still not resolved after such a long time.

Can I ask how the long distance visits are financed? Obviously not personal details of your situation but in general. If the family can't afford to visit are the young people simply left without family contact?

I don’t mind sharing that it costs is approx £500 a month to make 2 visits. We usually have to hire a car as I don’t have a car up to the journey and dh has a mileage limit on his. We used to be able to use his motability car for the journey but that had to go back after 3 months. The hospital is in the middle of nowhere (most are) so public transport isn’t really an option.

Two sections in the mental health act code of practice say that commissioners should consider supporting people whose family member is placed out of area. I have brought this up with my son’s commissioners but for nowhere yet.

In my new job I get the opportunity to tell other families about the code of practice and I always do. If I manage to help someone else that makes up a bit for getting nowhere ourselves.

It is a real strain tbh. Like most families with a child with complex needs we have taken a financial hit for decades, so £500 additional expense a month is significant.

I have no idea what people who really can’t afford it do. It horrifies and upsets me tbh.

The £500 is for car hire, travelodge for one night and fuel. I don’t know what people who can’t drive do.

I am sure it is an additional strain. The fact that commissioners are ignoring the provision that is there is just one more shocking fact in this awful scenario.

I'm sorry to hear about this situation OP with your son. I work in this area and it is sole destroying to have to suggest the use of the mental health act simply because we've run out of time, money and options in a crisis.

It is is good to hear that the hospital your son is at has been good at reducing medication, community access and discharge planning. Hopefully he's been having care and treatment reviews by NHS England? Is it these reviews you've been involved with as an expert by experience? If not, you may be interested in looking into it.

I'd be interested to know whereabouts in the country you are where you have good care providers but no accommodation? We are often in the opposite situation and people have properties but we struggle to find anyone to support them!

Oh this is horrifying. And sadly I seem to be hearing more and more of these stories. And so fucking unfair and unhelpful.

I hope things are sorted out much more positively for your son and you.

I don’t want to be too identifying but yep am involved with Transforming Care. Ds has had regular CTR’s - he even had a CETR while still in the community - as transition was known to be a risky time. That was prior to provider takeover and was extremely positive and recognised how well everything was going. I think I am still in shock at how quickly it all changed. Really brought home how vulnerable ds is always going to be.

PM me for the area if you want - am happy to share by PM. I do think we are lucky with the providers in this area - & particularly lucky with ds’.

Who is the nearest relative? Were you given advice about what the NR is able to do in terms of the section?

Also, I’m sorry, so very sorry. I am a strong and passionate advocate for the rights of those with severe and complex needs. I feel my voice is lost on a professional and personal level.

Was it hard letting go of your ds and putting him Into residential home? Or was it mandatory due to tour other DC? I had a. Son with autism who is fairly able in many respects but very impacted in others... I often worry he will have to go to a home without my say so if he is a danger to himself or my dd? I have heard thus can happen? If the person is a danger to their sibling they can be took out the family home without the agreement of their parents?

Your not tour!

Have a son, not had! Sorry for typos.

Does it frustrate you the way that the government treat people like your son. From a support perspective of service availability to support for you to financial support.

Do you find that there's still a stigma around this? As in people think you're being precious and treating DC like a snowflake.

Long term, do you think they could hold down a relationship, or would it take someone both special and supportive to deal with long term contraindications.