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DPN information briefings

Gisela Hermes: new book on disabled parents published in Germany

DPN information briefings

DPN Information briefings are reviewed by Cath Turner, Senior Care Manager, Health and Disability Team, Kingston-Upon-Thames Social Services, Surrey, UK.

Disabled Parents Network (DPN) has produced a series of briefings in response to the need for clear guidelines on the processes that disabled parents might have to go through if they need to contact their local authority or hospital. The briefings contain a wealth of information to guide people through a maze of local authority procedures.

It is made clear at the start that no-one should have to rely on information picked up here and there, so the briefings aim to provide information on a whole range of topics – from the legal background to what to expect from a local authority and health care trust. The briefings also emphasise that public organisations have a duty to provide information about themselves in formats that are accessible to all.

As expert as the ‘experts’

It is clear how disempowering an approach to the authorities can be; how easy it is for a parent to feel that their parenting skills are coming under scrutiny and these articles will help individual parents feel as expert as the ‘experts’ and advise them how to get the best out of the therapists or services or direct payments. Several scenarios which describe many of the situations in which parents may find themselves help the reader to relate to the information given. Particularly useful is the section on direct payments which perhaps is the option which most parents would choose. Here, the reader will find the wide range of services that direct payments can be used for and how to go about arranging them.

One whole section is devoted to the complicated legal background that underpins the work of social services and hospital departments giving the reader chapter and verse on all the relevant legislation they could possibly want should they need to enter into any dialogue with either organisation.

The same thorough treatment is given to the assessment process and the care plan and review that follows on from this. This is often a daunting process for parents but armed with the information in the briefings I am sure that the reader will sail through this potential ordeal.

Prompted by the briefings a reader would feel able to challenge the myths that are common about disabled parents – that perhaps parenting is not an option for them because of their disability or that the process has to be difficult. This is clearly not the case when all services should be available to all new parents – disabled or not – and that appropriate arrangements can be made for every individual whatever their circumstances. It is made clear that hospitals and local authorities should be working together to provide an efficient and effective service for those with any sort of specil needs.

The reader is encouraged to get the best service they can, if necessary by making a well-considered complaint. The informal and formal approaches are charted so that should complaint be necessary the reader can feel confident that their voice will be heard.

All in all these briefings are essential reading for disabled parents and those who work with them. Well done DPN!

DPN Information briefings are available free to individual disabled parents. Also available to organisations for a £25 donation towards printing and P&P. Free PDFs can be ordered via the DPN website

For further information contact DPN. Tel: 0870 241 0450

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