I was talking with a friend the other day who works in the local respite care home.
She was saying how she cant wait for Sophie to be able to go there (when she's 5)
In the mean time she asked me what I was doing with my direct payments for respite.
Told her we dont get anything like that. So she said I needed to get on to Sophie's social worker.
Well think the blank look on my face gave her the correct answer. Sophie doesnt have a social worker.
She was horrified and said that she though all disabled children get assigned a social worker (or they should)

Does anyone know if this is true? Are they worth getting involved??? What can/ will do they for Sophie/ us??
Also would we get direct payments (sophie in full time nursery so I took that as respite)??

Sara and Sophie xxxxx

(not sure if i put this in the right section or not)

We don't have a social worker for my daughter who is nearly 13, However even tho she has been under the mental health team for many years its only recently we have finally been given the help our daughter needs/requires. My husband works for social services and he feels it will make no difference to us or our daughter if we have one. I guess it really depends on the child and the level of there needs. xxx

its been essential for us!! i, fairly sure you cant get direct payments or much at all in the way of respite without one, they're also really useful when it comes to adaptations etc.
you've got nothing much to loose by having one, but they certainly dont just give you a social worker unless you or one of your care team specifically ask for you to be referred.
carrie xxx

We have one and she's nice, sorted out direct payments for us, euans been granted 2 overnights and 8hours a month with a note to say nursery should take him full time but they won't so I'm expecting that to be increased.

I won't lie though, it aint half a fight to get one!!! Birmingham are hopeless at responding and getting back to you. You really need to kick up a stink and make it be known you NEED a break and they need to help you or they're failing your family! They've already had another warning about their services, second one this year I think.

Xx

Hi My daughter is 9 and we have had extended periods of no support at all. Its up to you to chase (daft isnt it). Its so important to join local support groups so you can find out what support other people get. I rang the Children with Disabilites Team as I wanted Action for Children to come and help out at tea times - I was assigned a lovely lady who comes round every few weeks to 'see if were all ok' (check up on us!!!!! ;D), she sorted out Action for Children, recommended a really decent package of direct payments (4 hours a week term time and 8 hours a week in summer hols - I gather that is v generous) and brings activities to do with the Children when she visits. You will never really know if what you are offered is fair unless you find out what other local people are given. think about why you need the support and write it all down before you ring them/your first visit from them. xxxxxxxxxxx