If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

Went to a meeting held at the YMCA on Tuesday to discuss the up and coming imposed changes to provision for my boys at the Ozone. Rachel from Families Information Service was there to take our questions. However, she informed us that she would not be able to answer any strategic questions and that she could only give out information about how the service was changing. I expect we were just not important enough for some one to attend who could give us answers?

So what’s it all about? Well it’s our glorious council’s children’s services department juggling money again. If your child goes to either Newsome Avenue, Ozone or YMCA youth groups they are now going to have to apply for a place through Short Break Provision (SBP). That means the emphasis is changing from that of providing a safe environment for our children to socialise and have fun to resbite care for us parents and carers. From what information was available I understand that the following will apply:

If your child doesn't have a diagnosis they won’t be able to go to any youth group.

If you already have SBP you can apply for more hours but if you don’t get any you will have to chose what you want to use your existing SBP for; youth group or existing service.

If you get Direct Payments you can give up some of those payments to buy SBP, even though we have always been told you can not mix SBP with Direct Payments.

If your child accesses two sessions per week at two different venues you will no longer be allowed to do this, it’s either or. Don’t think for one minute you are going to be able to go to Ozone on Mondays and Thursdays either, you chose on but not both.

Children with ADHD but without a Learning Difficulty or Developmental Delay, do not exist according to Barnsley Council and will not get SBP; therefore, if they are going to any of the youth clubs at the moment, come September they won’t be allowed in.

Those children who do meet the criteria will be assessed by a panel of experts and their case judged on a case by case basis. The panel meets once a month but don’t bank on them meeeting during the holidays. I have no idea who is on the panel or how many people constitue the panel. I understand that there are no parent or carer representatives. You will not be told when your child’s case is being assessed and you will not be given any reasons why they have been refused if they are. There will be non correspondence as this is admissible in court and they don’t want any of that. You might also have a decission delayed pending further investigation, which is a time honoured delaying tactic.

I wonder how many able bodied children have to have a panel of people decide when and where they can attend a youth group? Barnsley Council hang your heads in shame. Our children are our future but just figures on a balance sheet for Barnsley Council.