To think this isn't fair

[User700800]

That someone should be refused admission to a college because of an small overdose eight months ago. Aibu to think that things can change a lot in almost a year?

It depends what kind of college and what kind of course. I was under the impression that disclosing medical information wasn't necessary to obtain a place, unless - perhaps- it's a course that requires an element of 'fitness to practice' such as teaching or medicine. I used to work in uni student support and whilst a disability needs to be disclosed (to instigate support processes and DSA funding) on the UCAS form, no information was given to admissions departments.

Do you have more details please?

It's a residential Sen college.

Right, that helps, thanks.

I think it would be good for the person concerned or their carers/ social worker/ etc to get full details of why they've made the decision. I'm guessing they must have some concern about risk management. But - considering how frequently learning disabilities present with concurrent mental health problems, this does seem unfair.

Without all the details (and I can understand why you won't want to share them) it's hard to give specific advice BUT if the college feels for whatever reason that someone who has overdosed doesn't fit their remit, I'd take it as a clear sign that their institutional ethos might not be geared up to dealing appropriately or compassionately with someone experiencing mental health crisis.

It might be a really good college in other respects but if they can't or won't accept that young people (especially with additional needs) can be incredibly vulnerable when it comes to mental health, then I'd question the safety and wellbeing of that young person if they were there. They might be better off looking somewhere with a more progressive attitude. (Easier said than done, I know, I tried in vain to get a residential college placement for my son that met his needs.)

I would add, as well, that ithe might be useful to provide evidence from a mental health professional confirming the person's current mental state/ lack of risk etc of necessary.

It sounds like they don’t feel they can provide the level of support/supervision that may be needed.

8 months is nothing in that grand scheme of things.

For someone with sen and mental health issues finding the right settings is even more important

Is it a funding issue? In that they'd need more staff to supervise etc?
But yes, it sounds unfair :(

With my insight into funding and restrictions and staffing levels, I can understand.

I see why you're frustrated but better safe than sorry (in a very literal sense).

Yes apparently he would need full time one to one

Ft 1 to 1 may not be practical on a residential setting. Would he otherwise qualify were it not for mh issues?

Does he have an EHCP?

Yes his other Sen needs could be meet and yes he does have an ehcp.

OP you may want to get this moved from AIBU. There are education and SEN topics that may be more help. Lots of people on here have children with SEN or needing non mainstream provision but wouldn't necessarily click on your thread title in AIBU.

How old is he? Are the mh issues ongoing?

Would prefer not to say his age if that's okay but he's an adult