Advice on use of DLA and paying for Support Services for my son

[cathcart3303]

Bearing in mind T has been out of school for 18 months and has had no educational input CAMHS asked the Duty Social Worker to attend a meeting at my house last November in which a service Dimensions was suggested. Using his DLA was suggested by SW to pay for this. I contacted Dimensions and they said they needed a contract with LA or School and the child needed a statement.

After Autism Day I had info on Dimensions which I presented at Section 17 meeting. SW was sick so manager was there. She denied any knowledge of this service although I thought that was what the meeting was about! She had in mind a support worker and she went away to think about it despite all professionals agreeing T needs specialist help. The SW rang me to say T is on list for support worker (not autism specific). I asked if they had carried out a core assessment on T which she said they were in the process of. I asked about Dimensions which she dismissed unless I was willing to pay with DLA. I get £100 DLA for T a week. I said I am happy to put this money towards it. SW is going to speak to Dimensions and said it was about £15 an hour.. So DLA will pay for 6 1/2 hours. It was suggested he needs fulltime for 10 weeks by CAMHS as this worked for another child like T.

My questions: Is it right that a child can only get limited help with what there parents can pay via DLA when his needs are so much greater? He is due a final statement so should it address how they are going to help him access education which is due to his disability?

 

[trekster]

You normally have to pay for the 1st 4 hours and then anything above isn't charged at least with adults. Could you claim carers allowance and use that to pay towards his care as well?

 

Below is a link to the NAS page about getting help for autistic children.

 

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/benefits-and-community-care/care-and-benefits-for-children-and-families/care-support-for-children-with-autism/social-services-getting-help-for-children-england-and-wales.aspx