14 Year old - What do I need to put in place as she gets older.

[Greentea1]

Hi, firstly thank you for reading. This is my first time posting and I was just wondering if anyone could please provide some advice. My daughter is a very multilayered young lady who has many diagnoses and complex health needs which include - Autism, learning difficulties, global developmental delay, extreme anxieties, ARFID, ( can only tolerate blended food) chronic lung disease, Asthma and severe allergies plus many more. She’s very vulnerable and needs help with all self care needs .

I’ve recently been told that I need to start to think about possibly getting a social worker and get the mental capacity act in place ? This seems a little bit of a minefield - Can anyone please provide any advice on what is required etc. Also when she is 18 financial what happens. I’m currently her full time carer and receive DLA and carers . I appreciate any help/ feedback etc that anyone could provide.

Many thanks in advance

[Blackhouse]

Hi.I would definitely get a social worker as they can access a lot of help for you. When our daughter was young, we were able to get help with respite, outings and clubs, the Family Fund and upgrading our DLA - all with info/support from our social worker. I'm a bit surprised school or paediatrician haven't suggested this already. There should be a department within your local social work office - a "children with disabilities" team who will help you. Take all the help you can get.

We took out Legal Guardianship (Scotland) when our daughter turned 16 - the earliest age this can be done. We did it through a local solicotor and had to pay for this ourselves as we did not want to wait till she was 18. You could wait till she is 18 then legal aid will cover costs unless your daughter has a lot of savings.

When she turns 18 she will receive ESA as she will be unemployed - this will still be paid to you if you are her appointee. DLA will change to PIP (I found this form much simpler than the DLA form). Social work would be able to tell you all this in more detail. Other organisations such as Carers Uk would also be good to talk to. Don't worry too much about the processes - we found it quite straightforward.

Hope that helps a wee bit and try not to stress. Good luck.