Published on 12, July, 2020
My wonderful son is now 19 years old. He has Aspergers , he has the most amazing sense of humour and everybody loves him. Now my reality.. he finished college in June 2018. Both me and my Husband work full time. In the beginning of November 2018 I called adult social services to register my son , so he can qualify to do voluntary work at a nearby park with other adults. Thomas will not go out alone and would be vulnerable if he did. So were working, Thomas is home alone, doing computer, tv etc. Totally not ideal. I am often in touch with social services and always get the same reply...your on our list. Today I threw in that I work in residential child care and know what I'm talking about when I say Thomas needs to be processed bloody quickly. Thomas is now making new routines and problems for himself, as he is not getting the proper help. I have told social services today that it is becoming a safeguarding issue. I am currently awaiting a response. What else can I do. I'm getting pretty annoyed now. Any ideas!!!
Thank you heather... I found your information very useful. Best wishes, Anna
Social Service Departments across the country are stretched to their limits, with hundreds of desperate people eagerly waiting support. Each department will have time scales in which they have to respond although I'm not sure if that is related only to older people? But you can check with your local department what their time scale is in which they are required to respond.
If it is a safeguarding issue then they will definitely have a respond time.
I don't think being annoyed will help as it clouds our judgements. In general, in Social Services, those who shout loudest get seen first as most social workers are working at crisis point. Are you waiting for a health and social care assessment or for him to simply be on a list to do some voluntary work? I'm not quite sure what it is you're after so it's hard to say but I do know they get lots of calls daily from people desperate for help. As a social worker I have often worked on duty, taking the daily calls. In some authorities we can respond to some of those calls on the day or sign post but other than that, we put the person on a list and it's out of our hands. We can check on the progress etc but it all depends on staffing levels etc and how they work their system.
Do they have a well being team who you can speak to? They know the most about what's available in the community and you don't usually wait to see them. They usually make contact with you within a day or two. Do you know what it is specifically what you want?
Your son sounds like a truly wonderful young man and I'm glad he's got you in his corner. Some things do take time, so maybe think about what you can do in the meantime? What resources do you currently have? For example, is there any body else in your friends and family circle who could spend a bit of time with your son, outdoors? What do the local churches offer? What about local MIND groups and groups like that? Can you help him expand his areas of interest into something he can work on, for example, what is his interest in computers?
You may have already thought of all these things. I guess I'm suggesting maybe focus your attention on what you do have and how you can make the most of that instead of focusing your energy on how long the social services are taking to provide support. If you've done all you can with them and it's a matter of waiting, why not be pleased that you've done that and focus your attention on all the good things you already have and how you can support your son in the meantime to get out a little more or whatever it is you're after doing. Keep bringing your attention back to the solutions is what I'm saying, I guess.
Hi NAS51351
You may like to contact our Autism Helpline team who can provide you with information and advice . You can contact the team via telephone on 0808 800 4104 (Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 9am to 3pm). Please note that the Helpline is experiencing a high volume of calls and it may take a couple of attempts before you get through to speak to an advisor. Alternatively, should you prefer to send a message, you can do so via their webform:
https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/main/questions.aspx
Kind regards,
Heather - Mod
You on behalf of your son need to instruct a solicitor specialist.
Specialist firm of legal aid solicitors working in dealing in Community Care, Mental Health, incapacity law and Special Education Needs Law. will be a guide to the firm. Don't go to the first on Google, ( They have paid to get that place) I suggest that you make your first enquiry to Citizens advice Bureau for guidance. Legal aid is dependent on your son's savings. another suggestion contact your nearest local autistic branch and ask others personally what solicitors they may have used. You could also ask your Council's social services. What solicitors do they have dealing with on behalf of organizing help for their handicapped "Charges". Then Google the solicitors / advisers.you have listed. You could also contact the Legal Services Agency a Charity Google this one they may help.
To get the best solicitor you may have to Travel. I deal wit a solicitor on behalf of my son who cannot comprehend Language. I sometime have to travel a total of 60 miles there and back. You have waited long enough , just take your time and find the best help.