HELP !! Adoption Support fund

[fasparent]

Old hand's at Adoption but really need advice on this. Toddler age 2.9 years. Recovering from Acquired brain injury, Walking just 3 weeks can string no words just singular. NHS Has just pulled out of ALL community support say he has improved , They haven't a clue half his appointments they cancel or don't turn up. promised action plans never fulfilled.
What ever we can apply for would have too include nursery and home
partnership condition is so complex can not do it alone. Have little funding off education but it is a mere drop in the ocean. Has done EHCP just waiting decisions .
Thanks in advance

[flapjackfairy]

What are you looking for support wise? It is hard to advise with little detail .
I have 2 children with v complex needs myself, 1x ltfc and 1 adopted.
I have found the school setting to be crucial. Are they likely to recommend special schooling ? This could be a great move as it opens up support via physio, salt etc based in schools (at least part of the time) and the school can also provided support for the family as well.
What are the long term needs likely to be etc ? Do you have a community nurse or paediatrician ? If they have discharged you see your gp and get re referred. Honestly it is so frustrating at times having to fight for everything but sadly that is the reality!
What about parent support groups etc ? Do you have any real life support network ?
Sorry loads of questions and not much good advise !

[2old2beamum]

Hi fasparent as you know you flapjack and myself are old hands at this like you. I cannot help but in our case the NHS are letting all these vulnerable children down. In our case both our youngest have continuing health care and can no longer have respite during school holidays as it is too expensive!
Sorry no help but you are not alone. I am ashamed to say I have discouraged 2 people not to adopt their complex needs child they are fostering as we have no help with our lovely bunch. Our eldest 3 get nothing except day services. Not really what you asked but I needed a rant!
Take care .

[flapjackfairy]

2old it is disgusting! It is hard enough without them continually cutting services . We have never really got any respite anyway and one of ours is in ltfc so it hasnt made any difference on that score for us. Now we have 2 it is harder still to find someone who is trained to do the care and who either have an adapted house or can move in here for the odd overnight break . So we are resigned to seperate holidays etc if we want a break from here on in.
Anyway i am always available for ranting purposes if that helps !

[flapjackfairy]

And fas didnt realise you were op. I am v sleep deprived today! I am sure you are way more knowledgeable than me so may not have anything useful to add except to say that i also understand your frustrations and am here if there is anything i can do to help advice wise or for a good moan. Take care x
Ps it is a shame we cant all get together to compare notes and horror stories! I would love that !

[bostonkremekrazy]

I'm guessing he'll be three before january - where you live will you be able to get a January nursery place? and if so are you likely to get 1-1 or some funded hours for that with the EHCP assessment....that is your best route into school help these days.

do you get portage where you live? - a service where OT/Physio/SLT come to your home and work with the child on a regular basis....
the criteria here is strict and you can be discharged if you no longer meet the criteria or you improve too much....(we were warned that as DC came out at 18 months on recent SOGS assessment age 28 months - we could be discharged! 10 months developmental delay and may be too good for the service YUK)

what is this respite you speak of? (we have 4 with special needs, plus a BC, all under 11, never had a day off)....

[flapjackfairy]

Apparently respite is when people do indeed get a day off !
I know it is a hard concept to grasp boston but i have it on good authority that it does exist somewhere in the mythical world!

[fasparent]

Yes sadly this was a portage shared with nursery.
Hope this put no one off Adoption 2old2b , But ABI is rare in a 3 month baby and too be honest and fair new too most professional's, hence little knowledge.
We got a bit of reprieve late yesterday have 6 month communication
course starting near Christmas, also found a free 0-4 play and signing session can start immediate.
Thanks all for all the support and help will follow up all and develop a plan too put too Adoption support then wait with apprehension.
ABI is unlike most disability's is mostly about recovery from the unknown hence the need for more early interventions.
So far he is doing brilliant is very brave, do not know how he will be
without support and don't want too at this stage may be later in a few years.
Again thanks too all

[flapjackfairy]

Fasparent my kids both have brain injuries caused by medical conditions.
I have come across this snowdrop programme today that appears to be getting good results. I have ordered the book as a first step! Dont know if it would be of any interest to you ?
Anyway hope you are ok hon. Thinking of you x

[nigelp]

It's vital that you get expert advice. Have you contacted Adoption UK? There are legal duties on local authorities to prepare assessments for support. There are a number of online support groups including OpenNest