Background
Jane was born with numerous difficulties including autism, Fragile X Syndrome, speech and language difficulties. Her impairments have restricted her ability to comprehend or verbalise her needs and to relay her own wishes and feelings.
Jane was receiving care services from a Local Authority, who were also funding her stay at a residential school. She had been at this school for 3 years, however, the placement was due to come to an end in July 2015.
Jane’s parents started negotiations with the Local Authority in 2014 regarding Jane’s transition from college to a supported living environment.
The Local Authority recommended unsuitable homes which did not meet Jane’s peer group or day care needs. In addition, the Local Authority had also recommended an individual budget of £28 per day, which was not enough for Jane’s care costs.
“It was important for my daughter to stay in a home that met her care needs. I would not allow her to live in a home that I wouldn’t live in myself.”
Jane’s mother
Our impact
Jane’s parents felt disappointed with the lack of support and action they had received from the Local Authority. In summary, there was a lack of communication, unwillingness to provide information, and a failure to inform Jane’s parents of developments.
After several months of negotiating with the Local Authority about their daughter’s options, Jane’s parents instructed us to help.
In other words, Jane’s parents reached out to us since they felt the Local Authority didn’t know how to provide for their daughter. They felt afraid for their Jane’s future and powerless to help her.
Using the relevant legislation and guidance, the Disability Law Service successfully argued against the Local Authority. We highlighted their failure to provide Jane with a placement for her needs. In addition, we also demonstrated their failure to provide a suitable budget to cover all her care requirements.
In summary, our success meant that Jane was able to receive adequate provision for her needs. She was granted a placement in a suitable home and an adequate budget for her care costs. She was able to move into her new home in January 2016 and is now happy and settled.
“It was such a relief to be listened to by someone who was sympathetic, understood our situation and was genuinely interested in helping Jane. All our emails and phone calls were answered and returned promptly. The support we received made us feel empowered and gave us the confidence to keep going until Jane got the residential placement she needed. We are so grateful for the help DLS gave us. We can’t recommend their service highly enough.”
Jane’s parents
