“The head teacher of a local school telephones you about two parents with learning disabilities and their four year old daughter. The head teacher describes her concerns to you.”
“She tells you that the parents are living in their own flat with their daughter, and are supported by one of the grandparents, who visits daily to help with practical tasks, such as getting their little girl ready for school. Even so, she frequently arrives late and appears so hungry that the head teacher doubts whether she is having an adequate breakfast. Her clothes are often dirty and not appropriate for the weather and time of year. The headteacher thinks that she is at risk of neglect”
Now you need to decide what to do in this situation, select from the options below:
- Do you recognise the parents’ rights to support from the local authority to help them exercise their parenting responsibilities?
- Do you recognise the child’s status as a child in need?
- Do you consult the legal rules on safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare and on promoting independence for disabled people
- Do you discuss with your manager to determine whether the case should be referred for a child care or community care assessment?
A. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward rights orientation
B. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward needs orientation
C. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward technical orientation
D. This answer shows that you have a tendency toward procedural orientation
Before you move on to the next situation, test your knowledge of key aspects of law that are relevant to this situation by answering the question below.
Local authorities should conduct community care assessments with disabled parents rather than assuming that their children are ‘children in need’ and require assessment automatically under the Children Act 1989.
The Correct answer is True
DH (2002) Fair Access to Care Services, Guidance on Eligibility Criteria for Adult Social Care – community care services for disabled parents should include services to support them in carrying out their parenting role, complementing these with powers and duties under the Children Act 1989 only where children appear to be ‘children in need’. See also Goodinge, S. (2000) A Jigsaw of Services: Inspection of Services to Support Disabled Adults in their Parenting Role, Department of Health.