Getting a social worker - what to ''look'' out for

[Nonailsrules]

DS1 is 11 - Aspergers and adhd - He's doing very well at high school but is transfering all his agression/frustration to his siblings at home time.

So i have applied to SS for some respite.

To be honest I'm a bit scared. My house is clean but genrally wrecked for 11 years of hard use and no time.

What will they be looking for an is there anything i should be aware of?

No experence but just be yourself? I am sure it will turn out fine ad will be nothing to worry about.

Assessing a child "in need" and a child "at risk" are two very different things!

meltedmarsbars - I hope so - I have just read so many nightmare stories on disablity forums

You will surely be needed a "child in need" assessment so should not need to worry what your house looks like - you might be better to leave the pile of washing up and dirty laundry as evidence of how you need some free time!

However, emphasising the needs of the siblings is vital - you are asking for SS to help your other children get some "normal" childhood.

Don't worry! Just make sure you tell the SW exactly how you feel and what you need. I applied for direct payments a few weeks ago and felt exactly the same way! It was easy - honestly! And I cleaned and did all the washing before she came

Nonauils

CAn I first suggest you ask fora hard copy of their criteria?

Sadly some SSD's don't consider AS as a disability.We have a child who is exceptionally agressive, statemented etc and have beggedfor help but it just isn't acriteria. Many SSD's will help but I think it is worth knowing what you are up aaginst first.

It goes awry at 16 as well- there's alowlevel battle on between MH and Disability depts to take repsonsibility for AS and both are responding by giving blanket No! answers.

That doesn'tmean you can't get help but may have toaccess it under a different dept- eg child protection (sad but true).

The best tip is to have two sets of figures- the opnes youa reasking for, and the real minimum you will accept. Go in with the first but don't let them wriggle under the second.

Good luck.

Thanks for the support/advice everyone - Th SW from th e childrens disabliy team rang today and she is more informed than our peadatrition! Comming start of March

Make sure you get a carers assessment done as well- have alook on the carers UK website (IIRC) for info