No to Mental Health Funding
Posted by
bumblebee
on 28th May 2010
at 15:13
Hi Jeanne,
I am sorry to hear your disappointing news. A core assessment by social services is to assess all parts of your families life and to highlight needs that should be addressed. I would use this opportunity to force the topic of support in this area for Glen and how much he needs this funding. If its a route you want to take, you could also mention that if Glen doesnt get the help he needs that you will be looking into legal advice and support....I am surprised they are doing a core assessment really as surely it will show up that Glen needs this mental health assessment??! Anyway, this is also an opportunity to ask for respite or any other type of support you and your family may need.....
Claire - Community Champion
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 28th May 2010
at 15:38
Hi Jeanne
That's a shame. The core assessment is what was carried out with us when a social worker spent hours spread over three or four visits, asking questions and filling in one of the largest documents I have ever seen. Unfortunately my experience with it was not a good one. The original social worker went on long term sick leave and eventually they assigned another social worker who had to start the process from the beginning and then she took a new job and the Manager of our local Social Work Dept took on Tom's case. This eventually led to the Intensive Home Therapy and the four hours a week partially funded respite that is now in place. I do hope things arent quite as woeful in your Social Work Department, but if it turns out to be just as slow and drawn out, I would also recommend that you seek legal advice and the help of your local MP.
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
JeanneA
on 28th May 2010
at 17:20
Hi I do hope the core assessment isn't as bad as your experience Josie. Glen hasn't got a social worker at present the last one left and they are short staffed and havent assigned another one to Glen as yet :( I have been told that funding will be granted if the right place is sorted for Glen. They felt that youngfoundations didn't offer enough regarding mental health input. Maudsley hospital is now going to be looked into as their is a specialist there, so time will tell.
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 28th May 2010
at 18:35
Hi Jeanne
Yes, I think the pressure on social workers these days is so bad that no-one wants to take it on, but on the other hand I have heard of people doing the courses for Social Work and not being able to get a job because the government isnt providing the needed funds to employ them. It's a vicious circle, I am afraid.
It does sound though as if they know that something needs to be put in place and hopefully they will do it sooner rather than later. You just have to keep on top of them and dont let them forget about you or Glen.
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
Leanne
on 28th May 2010
at 19:22
Hi Jeanne,
I am so sorry that the funding was turned down.. it is so wrong that you were given the impression that it would happen.
Have you thought about contacting your local MP to take part in the 'Walk in our shoes' campaign 21-27 June.. maybe it would help to get someone like that to see what it is like for you :)
Leanne - Community Champion
Posted by
bumblebee
on 28th May 2010
at 19:59
Great idea Leanne,
Jeanne, I took part in this last time and the councillor who came to our family helped me in a few situations with the local authority when I was fighting to get the kids educational needs met....worth considering...
Claire - Community Champion
Posted by
Snowdrop
on 28th May 2010
at 20:59
Hi Jeanne
Im sorry to hear you didnt get the news you wanted. I hope it does get sorted for you soon.
Do let us know how things go.
Tracy - Community Champion
Posted by
JeanneA
on 29th May 2010
at 19:48
Thanks for all your comments. After thinking about it though it wouldn't be the right place for Glen due to not enough mental health input. So although it was disappointing initially it is the right decision. The good news is they have agreed to fund the right place for Glen which is encouraging. A suggestion of Maudsley Hospital a specialist centre there? . This will be looked into when the psychiatrist comes back from her holiday. If any of you anything about Maudsley please let me know, I would appreciate it, thanks.
Posted by
bumblebee
on 30th May 2010
at 16:18
Hi Jeanne,
My 14 yr old daughter who has Aspergers and anxiety disorder was seen at the Michael Rutter Centre at the Maudsley hospital in May last year. I am more than happy to chat with you about it, what did you want to know?
Claire - Community Champion
Posted by
JeanneA
on 30th May 2010
at 19:08
Hi Claire, if you could give me some details I would be grateful. For instance was your daughter seen just the once or did she go back again? Also is the centre just for outpatients or do they have inpatients there? What in your opinion is the centre like and was you pleased with the help your daughter received? I don't know how to private message you on this site, if you could let me know that would be great thanks!
Jeanne
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Posted by
JeanneA
on 28th May 2010
at 13:32
Hi just thought I would let you know funding has been turned down at the meeting yesterday for Glen's 12 week mental health assessment, so no Youngfoundations for Glen. In fact I have heard that the place in Scotland has now gone but there is another place come up in the Midlands, but as I say judging by what social services has just told me its very unlikely that Glen will go.
Social services are now going to do a Core assessment, I'm not quite sure all of what that entails.
As you can imagine I am very disappointed in this result especially after being told it was almost a certainty that Glen would get the funding.