Evelyn has referred herself. You did not take the referral. The only information you have is:
Evelyn was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six months ago. She is 33 and a single parent with two daughters, Sophie (13) and Celeste (10). Her reduced mobility means she now probably requires a wheelchair. She finds it very difficult to get up the stairs to use the bathroom and toilet and has moved her bedroom downstairs. She is having difficulty managing her job as an administrative officer in a local firm. Sophie and Celeste do all they can to help, but Evelyn cannot do everything she would wish as a parent.
Evelyn has also referred her parents. You did not take this referral. All you know is:
Evelyn’s parents – Richard (70) and Betsy (66) – live close by but offer only limited help to Evelyn because their physical and mental health is deteriorating. Betsy has arthritis in her arms and legs and cannot walk far. Richard slowly has been losing his memory and this has been creating strain between him and Betsy. Evelyn used to do the laundry and shopping but feels unable to do this now. She is concerned that Richard and Betsy are unable to care for themselves adequately.
Choose which referral you wish to explore:
Evelyn
Cases involving disabled parents should begin in children’s services rather than adult services.
The correct answer is “no”.
Policy and practice guidance (Fair Access to Care Services) is clear that parenting roles form part of community care assessment. Children of disabled parents are not automatically children in need although a concurrent assessment should be done when the provision of community care services is unlikely to meet all presenting needs.
The correct answer is “yes”.
All those involved have a right to respect for private and family life. Some exploration of their relationships would be appropriate and some linkages are inevitable, given the complex caring relationships. However, they are also separate individuals with unique needs.
It is too early to intervene here and preferable to wait for a crisis or more serious problems to occur.
The correct answer is “no”.
Early intervention is appreciated by service users and carers and is helpful in maximising people’s independence and quality of life.
Things are likely to get worse so we should be planning for alternative care for Evelyn, Sophie and Celeste now.
The correct answer is “no”.
Disabled parents report negative assumptions by social workers about their parenting capacities. A focus on future needs is part of assessment but the Human Rights Act 1998 requires that any intervention is proportional to the needs presented. So, the level of intervention should be appropriate at the current point of time with some planning about active review and an escalator of services as needs increase.
Goodinge, S. (2000)
Jigsaw of Services: Inspection of services to support disabled adults in their parenting role. Department of Health.
Richard & Betsy
The correct answer is “no”.
Demarcation disputes are frequent but rarely tolerated by judges and service users. The extent of mental health concern in this case is currently unclear, and needs may arise as a result of a wide range of issues, requiring a holistic response.
The correct answer is “yes”.
All those involved have a right to respect for private and family life. Some exploration of their relationships would be appropriate and some linkages are inevitable, given the complex caring relationships. However, they are also separate individuals with unique needs.
It is too early to intervene here and preferable to wait for a crisis or more serious problems to occur.
The correct answer is “no”.
Early intervention is appreciated by service users and carers and is helpful in maximising people’s independence and quality of life.
Things are likely to get worse so we should be planning for alternative care for Richard and Betsy now.
The correct answer is “no”.
A focus on future needs is part of assessment but the Human Rights Act 1998 requires that any intervention is proportional to the needs presented. So, the level of intervention should be appropriate at the current point of time with some planning about active review and an escalator of services as needs increase.