Direct Payments

[justine1]

Hi

 

I was wondering if I would qualify for direct payments,I have been wanting to speak to a social worker but don't want to do it if there is no chance.

 

As you may know I am a full time student I get a bursary, though most of it goes on childcare, because of this I don't qualify for carers allowance. My problem is, I have to get someone to look after Sam before and after school, I have struggled to find a childminder who will look after him and to be honest think he is better off being cared for at home, as this was an issue before. My bursary won't pay for babysitters/nannies as they don't have a registration number, I found a babysitter but don't think I can afford it.

 

So would I be able to use direct payments for this? Where can I turn to ask for help with this?

 

Thank you

[emmasmum]

Hi Justine,

Direct Payments are a type of specialist service from the disabled children's team (social services). Eligibility criteria varies according to where you live but under Aiming High, it should now be publicised - try looking on your local authority's website.

If you think you might be eligible, then you need to ask for an assessment of need for your son and a carer's assessment for yourself. They will most likely do an initial assessment and let you know if you're likely to be eligible - if you are they will do a core assessment which should look at the needs of the whole family.

The thresholds are quite high though - in our area the criteria is "the child requires total or substantial support for all daily living needs which is not available from within the family network".

In our areas some childminders provide care in the child's home so this might be an option worth exploring. See whether there is a local NCMA contact you could speak to.

The Childcare Act 2007 places a duty on the local authority around childcare to enable parents to study or work.

HTH

Carol

[justine1]

Hi Justine,

Direct Payments are a type of specialist service from the disabled children's team (social services). Eligibility criteria varies according to where you live but under Aiming High, it should now be publicised - try looking on your local authority's website.

If you think you might be eligible, then you need to ask for an assessment of need for your son and a carer's assessment for yourself. They will most likely do an initial assessment and let you know if you're likely to be eligible - if you are they will do a core assessment which should look at the needs of the whole family.

The thresholds are quite high though - in our area the criteria is "the child requires total or substantial support for all daily living needs which is not available from within the family network".

In our areas some childminders provide care in the child's home so this might be an option worth exploring. See whether there is a local NCMA contact you could speak to.

The Childcare Act 2007 places a duty on the local authority around childcare to enable parents to study or work.

HTH

Carol

Thank you Carol <'> That is very helpful. I am a single parent and although I have family close by they cannot help out everyday, only occasionally if I am desparate. Their dad only takes them for a few hours a month even though he lives 2 miles away.

 

I did get a list of childminders from childrens services and I have gone through all of them! None will look after him here and those that had space(2 of them) were worried about his needs, he had strangled a boy at the previous childminders,so this is a huge problem!

 

Thank you very much,it is really appreciated.