Statements

[Claw3]

First of all just to say hi to everyone, i havent been on for a while, hope you are all ok.

Second for those of you not familiar with my saga, Statement was refused and Note in Lieu issued. I wrote to the LA asking them to reconsider and enclosing some new evidence, including a letter from CAMHS backing my request.

Anyhow LA have written to me twice now. 1st letter telling me 'my case would be put back before "panel". 2nd letter requesting that i meet with Senior Case Officer to discuss their refusal to issue a statement.

I have already lodged an appeal.

Do they want to meet with me to fob me off?

Do i attend and go through the motions?

Hey Claw - we were missing you. There was a thread asking where you were the other day! This could be good news. The fact that they are putting the case back to panel could mean they will change their minds - this happened to me. I would attend the meeting as if it goes to Tribunal you need to show that you have kept communicating with the LA. Take someone with you for note-taking and don't agree to anything they offer straight away.

Hi ya Fighting, i had a couple of PM's asking whether i was ok and where i was, thought i would show my face. Thanks for thinking of me, things have been a bit rough, but im fine.

Im assuming they are not changing their minds, otherwise they would have already done so?

When is it going back to panel? They know you will go all the way to tribunal so I reckon they'll try some sort of compromise offer.
Oh,and I'll say it again good luck (might work - you never know).

Thanks Pipin and Fighting, 1st letter dated 25th Oct, doesnt actually say when its going back to 'panel', just says "i will submit your recent reports to the SA panel with your request for reconsideration" and that i should lodge my appeal in the event that they uphold their decision.

2nd letter is dated 10 November "in relation to your disappointment regarding the LA's decision not to agree to issue a statement, Senior Case Officer would like to hold a meeting with me and the Service Manager"

Im assuming its just all part of the 'game' and im not feeling too hopeful, i feel they are just going through the motions of appearing to do everything they can to resolve this.

Im going to give her a ring now actually and ask her when its going to 'panel'. Which is all bollox as i already know is her decision and she has already looked at the evidence and decided not to issue a statement, hence the meeting!

hi claw, sounds like they are just following procedure, this is what they are supposed to do, as you say, all part of the game. They may offer something little at the meeting as a token but really as you want a statement, there's nothing else they offer that will do. Do go, as others have said, shows you have tried to sort things out if it has to go further.

Just read the second letter properly, they appear to be saying its already gone before 'panel'. Letter starts "ds's case has been discussed by my senior managers" I think??

They are all in meetings, have asked that someone phones me back.

Hi Bigcar, i wish they would just say "we reconsidered and the answer is no"

They want to hold a meeting to discuss their decision not to issue a statement. A letter would do!

I don't know, hope someone calls you back soon to clarify. Panel here sits with all sorts of professionals, not just the lea sen team. It is very frustrating but they have to offer a meeting which of course you have to attend, it may just be going through the motions but it's one step along the line to getting your ds the help he needs.

hi claw. Don't want to hijack, but just want to ask a quick question. I am in the same position as you, in that we have had statement refused and a 'note in lieu' issued. Have had meeting with LEA and now only have 2 weeks left to lodge appeal. Have you sent off your appeal? and if you have what did you actually send. i.e do you have a document listing your 'grounds' for appeal and then send every report you can lay your hands on as supporting evidence?

Oh God, I have no idea what an appeal is supposed to look like

Oh god, just lodge your appeal. Plenty of time for talking even with the appeal in. They're just stalling and seeing if you're a mug

Good to see you again!

Stark, thanks, my appeal is lodged, my OT, SALT, EP are booked to assess. I was just hoping to be appealing a draft, instead of a NIL.

Trunky, yes i have lodged my appeal. I sent my reasons for appeal and copies of all evidence supporting it.

I booked OT, SALT and EP who are willing to attend Tribunal, the minute they refused to issue a statement and stated that these reports would follow.

I have a website bookmarked to help with writing your reasons for appeal. Its very helpful. sossen.org.uk/reports/Appeal_Guidelines.pdf