residential college wanted, not assisted living

[Jockney76]

M daughter is 18 and has been offered a residential college placement along side and a full college course with animals.

The la have turned down due to funding but have no costings or proof to compare.

They have offered my daughter assisted living which she does not want.

unfortunately my daughter is controlling and physical at home and I can no long do full time care. she is young for her age and a residential is what she wants, not supported living. The LA are not listening and want to place her where they say,

please help

[BenjiB]

Did you get a letter with the right to appeal? If you didn’t then they’ve acted unlawfully. I’m assuming she has an EHCP. We went through the same 4 years ago. We appealed the decision. We used a solicitor but you can get advice from IPSEA. They also have slots you can book to chat to an advisor. Residential college is expensive and most LA’s will try to oppose it due to cost. Supported living is relative “cheap” compared. Our local authority has a 1.8million over spend every month and are trying to cut everything to the bone . We won our tribunal and as your daughter has a voice to express her wishes you probably will too.

[Suzzichka]

Your daughter has the right to remain in education. Is the college course only offered on a residential basis? If so and the LA don’t want to fund, they need to come up with other options

[Galwaybay2]

We had the same issue wanting to take up a residential college placement instead of a local option. Instead we had to accept the local authority's offer. It was not what we wanted but could see their point, that the cost was prohibitive and the residential college could only be in exceptional cases. The la are having to make these tough decisions when there is only so much available, trying to be fair. We all want the best for our children. I hope things work out for you as they have for us, even if it seems like a compromise at first.

[BenjiB in reply to Galwaybay2]

you don’t have to accept it though. The LA will always push for the cheapest option not the best option. We had to go to tribunal but it was def worth the fight.

[Galwaybay2 in reply to BenjiB]

What I didn't say here is that we didn't accept and did appeal using expensive lawyers but were not successful. Much as it would have been a great placement a part of me could see the unfairness in our fight and it all worked out in the end. My reason for saying this is to recognise that there is only so much funding available and fighting can be emotionally and financially draining.

[BenjiB in reply to Galwaybay2]

I agree. We spent around £30k on legal fees and professional reports. It was draining but I knew all along that the LA had no lawful reason to say No so we kept on. It was a brilliant placement for him and I don’t regret it but yes it was a turbulent time for us all. I’m now at it again though fighting to keep his NHS funding. It’s never ending!

[Annabellelily Community friend]

Hi there, I don’t have any direct advice, so beyond the advice from other comments, I would recommend reaching out to Mencap’s Learning Disability Helpline at 0808 808 1111 or email [e-mail] as they will be able to give you some guidance on the paths you can go down. Wishing you and your daughter the best