Respite from social work

[shandanchrishar]

I have a disabled son and been asking for respite since last July they keep saying their is no money can anyone suggest how I can get help, I am struggling to cope i have another three children and he is very demanding.

I will try the links thanks

Hello Shandd

They really shouldn;t be fobbing you off with the no money ting- but they will and do.

I presume you ahve have had a full carer's assessment?

TBH In would suggest two places to go: carers UK (they are wonderful) and also your local MP.

write (nort ring or email) Social Services and ask for a full assessment of your child's needs to be undertaken under the Children's Act. Also request that they undertake an assessment of your own needs as a carer.

they must answer within (14?? days).

You then get a written report.
If you disagree with the report you can complain.

Ringing / email / social worker verabllay telling you 'No' is too casual. You need that report to see (how* they've assessed you and as evidence if/when you challenge their assessment.

Best wishes

... And keep fighting - don't take no for an answer. I'm afraid she who shouts loudest gets heard. I know its a ridiculous scenario but I'm afraid that's how it is.
Good luck x

You could go to your CAB, or a legal aid lawyer - if you have had an assessment - and take the written reasons with you so they can advise if can challenge it.

If they have just refused to assess then make a complaint to council and take it to local govt ombudsman or again you could possibly challenge it legally

Hi

You need to request a carer's assessment as defined by the Carer's Recognition Act and that your DS has an assessment of his needs under s17 of the Children's Act 1989. As he is clearly defined as a child in need as per the every child matters agenda also. Also remind the LA that the Laming Green Paper dictates that LA should listen to parents and work with them.

You do have to be pushy and I would suggest that you get your local MP to also write a letter to them on your behalf explaining the problems at home and the stresses you are having to face due to having no support.

The LA could offer you direct payments as opposed to respite and then you would be able to organise a package of care that suits your families needs.

Also remind them that you have a right to a family life under the Human Rights Act and as they are not providing you with services to support your family this is a clear infringement of your rights.

In relation to timeframes, they have 24 hours to agree to assess or not to assess once the request has been made 7 working days to complete an initial assessment and 35 days to complete a core assessment.

You will have to fight hard for support and they cannot refuse on the grounds of no money (is not legal) and the harder you push the further you will get, but try to remain calm and kinda throw the rules at them. Dont just accept there assessments read them in your own time and then write a written response. Keep everything in writing it really does help.

If you need anything else let me know as I kinda work in this are...

Also there was a High Court Ruling a few years back which extended the Disability Discrimination to primary carer's of a disabled person...