[senco-forum] CAMHS and "uncooperative" parents

Hi Kate - Why wouldn't they consider the school (familiar territory for
eveyone) as a meeting venue?

And, if the situation represents a pattern, I wonder what they are doing to
create the lack of cooperation???

If they set dates for meetings which parents cannot attend (eg because they
have other appointments or have to go to work) then close the case when they
don't attend, it's such an easy way to play the numbers game.  This is the
way the NHS does business.  Very rarely are you allowed to choose your own
appointment.

Also, they send official-looking letters with copies of reports that often
don't reflect discussions - indeed they often appear to distort
discussions.  It always amazes me that there can be such a disparity between
what parents think they said and the conclusions the professionals draw from
them.  And that's alienating, too.

But you say 'does this child have no right to medical treatment'.  And I
wonder what medical treatment or therapy they could offer?  Most of these
appointments are for looking at the child, writing up a progress report,
making lots of value judgements which have no useful function, and that's
it.  Where therapy is offered, there's a six session block which stops just
as the child starts to benefit.

You're much better off bringing specialists in to the school.  Is he on
School Action Plus?  Does your Authority have an autism team who might be
prepared to have some input on the Tourettes??

A.

On 21/03/07, Kate Barnes <kate.senrab at btinternet.com> wrote:
>
> our CAMHS has closed a case on a child with severe BESD. Although they
> say they are not officially allowed to tell me, they have indicated that
> the case has been closed because the parent missed two appointments and,
> although initally very interested and involved, was then in some way
> "uncooperative".
> This is the second time they have closed a case for these sort of reasons.
> They say they are under huge pressure (their waiting list is 1 year) and
> so must move on to other cases, rather than pursue those who dont turn
> up/cooperate.
> I have offered the school as a venue, even considered offerng staff to
> take him to appointments, although this sets a precedant we couldnt keep
> up. They reply that parental involvement is crucial. I entirely
> understand this, but is the alternative nothing?  Surely at least some
> help could be given with the support of school staff who see the child 5
> hours a day?
> This child has a diagnosis of Tourettes and ADHD. What is the legal
> situation? Does this child have no rights to medical treatment?
> His statement is in the process of being written. Can I ask for CAMHS to
> be written in? Would they then have to provide treatment/therapy?
> If this child's parent was disabled and couldnt get to CAMHS all sorts
> of agencies would be required to commit large  amounts resources to
> ensuring access. Yet noone has time or money to spend on finding ways to
> enable and motivate this parent to access a service she and her son
> desperately need. Almost inevitably in 20 years time the cycle will be
> repeated as this child becomes a parent. Is it any wonder that social
> mobility is declining!
> Kate
> oops I'm meant to put things in full. CAMHS = Child and Adolescent
> Mental Health Service. BESD= behavioural &, Emotional ,Social
> Difficulties, ADHD =Attention Deficit Disorder.
>
>
>
>