Published on 12, July, 2020
I have the most awful problem with TAC meetings not sleeping, feeling tearful. I feel I do most of the talking don’t really get to find out that much about G. The list of people attending can do nothing for my ds, will not be able to answer my questions and cannot make any decisions, - so, - it is really just a admin exercise isn't it?
TAC are supposed to be a chance for all professionals involved in a child's life to get together, be across developments in that child's life, and make concrete plans to meet the needs of that child. Note the 'concrete plans' bit. It isn't a big chitchat free-for-all. Every professional should end the meeting with something to do - some action to take that will improve your child's lot.
TAC meetings; “they are all fine in theory but they can be a lot of hot air because nothing is ultimately done.“ which is what I have found and going round in circles. I also feel they are really intimidating because they are the whole council against me. They all know what they are talking about and sometimes I don’t what my rights are so I feel steam rollered.
“TACS usually go hand in hand with CAFs. A CAF is a great big long document which outlines all the needs and issues of your child, which professionals are involved, what their role is etc. In theory, this is supposed to ensure that all your child's info is available to all professionals (usually on a computerised system), that you don't have to constantly retell his/her 'story' to new professionals that may come on board, and that professionals involved in supporting your child are kept abreast of developments in his life. They are extremely helpful in a small minority of cases. In many cases, they are used instead of a more time consuming and costly statement (in my experience). If a CAF is proposed, get the proposal and reasons for suggesting a CAF inwriting. Then you can consider whether you think it is a useful step or just a time wasting exercise to appease you and make you hold off going for a statement.” I feel like this “Finally, remember to use it to your advantage. Make a list of all of your issues and questions and ask them. You've got everyone around a table, so use the opportunity. I used our first TAC to get CAMHS to say what they thought the school were doing wrong. They would never have done it in writing or an official report, but I teased it out of the CAMHS guy and then BAM - it was out in the open, the school couldn't argue with it and I had recorded it all in my minutes” This did not happen with our P levels.
I find the only way to get things done is to write a letter once I have found out my rights then to be faced with a furious school (who say I have been aggressive, when they have not agreed to anything I have said) who say we need to set up meetings first and then write a letter as their staff have rights too. Even though I explained I need a paper trail. I feel like I am being gagged.
EG I asked for a workstation for G, then wrote letter, then had a meeting, then Autism Advisory Service made a recommendation, then G got a workstation. Why didn’t they just say ok in the first place? They want to be seen doing all the work when it is me. I have a paper trail for this.
EG. In the TAC meeting they poo pooed any technology as I felt they want him to learn the old fashioned way but lots have people have been positive about technology especially if DS is good with it. I have paper trail for this mentioned on minutes of TAC meeting.
EG LSA went on maternity leave. New LSA said she “did not like children” but was none the less looking after my vulnerable DS (emerging speech). I was told off for DS scratching and biting new LSA although he did not do it before or after new LSA was there for six months. I do not have a paper trail for this.
How do you get the most out of these meetings as I feel they are so precious and want to make the best out of what we have? I will give it another go but feel I don’t want to be there.
Thanks,
I do have cryptshare but see your point over the emails.
The other arrangements seem realistic to me.
I really am trying to create a purposeful meeting that works for all and genuinely want to make it better.
Thanks for the advice.
Alright. I'll try to make some suggestions.
What categories of info are you suggesting should be in an email? How about your own personal medical records, written on a (suitably sized) postcard? That's how secure an email is, unless you can guarantee end to end encryption. (you can't).
Keep meetings small and humane. Make sure that everyone professional is there for a reason. I.e. They have something to contribute, or an action which they must complete by an agreed date.
Ensure one person chairs and controls the meeting. Ensure someone else takes minutes, and the minutes are published immediately after the meeting. The meeting is at 1730? Fine, type them up and circulate them before you go home then. The parents get the same copy as everyone else. Get them a hard copy they can keep safely at home.
The meeting minutes include agreed decisions and assigned actions, the one professional individual responsible for the action, and the agreed date for completion. The agreed date is never changed, but the actual completion date is logged alongside.
Every meeting has the same basic structure, enforced through an itemised agenda, circulated in advance. The parent gets a copy at least 36 hours beforehand.
The meeting is at the same day, time and place (same room).
The room is quiet with lights that can be dimmed a little if necessary. Everyone is on time and is suitably prepared for the meeting. There are no phones ringing, and no one leaving to take calls once the meeting starts. No one is sat fiddling with their phones. All this is enforced by the chairperson.
The parents aren't required to fill the gaps caused by agencies who can't or won't talk to each other. The necessary info is collected once and made available on a needs basis to the professionals involved. It is possible for the parents to gain (controlled) access to the file without having to submit written requests as part of some arcane procedure.
I have kids here had to help back into bed.
Would you suggest having the parental information by email and shared electronically?
Doing the meeting but allowing the parent time to see all the questions/ information that is likely to be shared?
Keeping numbers down to essential people
suggestions?
By the way, the OP may have died of old age by now.
Er... Change the system so it isn't weighted against those it purports to help?
Simples.
I really empathise with you. I am the lead practitioner for a family who all have autism. I am really wanting to get the best way of supporting the process so it doesn’t cause parents to be too overwhelmed and I feel really awful for them having to attend such an intense social situation. The parent has said she finds it challenging. Any ideas?