Still caring for children with SEN

I couldn't do what you are doing, but I salute you both.

It is pathetic and cruel that you, and others with children with disabilities, are not supported to the full.

Well done to you and your DH. Your children are so lucky to have you.
I'm not surprised you feel the need to rant.

2old2beamum I'm not surprised you feel let down! If you adopted through an agency rather through social services then I suggest you get in touch and ask them if there is any support they can offer you - if it was Adopt Anglia/Coram they offer support for as long as required I think. At the very least it would be helpful if the social services were to be engaged in 'succession' planning as you begin to think about making arrangements for your children when you are no longer able to care for them. Do you also have other children who may want to be involved in decision making regarding the ongoing care of their siblings?

I salute you as I know the cost (and also the joys) involved with taking on 'hard to place' children.

Thank you so much for your responses.
grannyactivist Strangely enough DS was placed by Adopt Anglia so I will contact them. The only "positive" is that he gets Continuing Health Care but apparently with adults you cannot have health and social care funding ?????
I am sorry I sound so grumpy as they are all fantastic and our lives have been enriched by our family. (Oh dear now I sound all sloppy)

Thanks to you all

You don't sound grumpy. ? You sound justifiably frustrated.

What a job you've got! And how lucky they are to have parents like you.
I think sometimes when your children are so dependent on you, you love them more. But there's a limit to human energy.
Thank God there are people about like you and your husband, with such warm hearts.

It was an informed guess 2old2be. I hope you get the support you so badly need with the help of Adopt Anglia; an organisation I knew well at one stage in my working career.

Hi grannyactivist I did ring Coram/Adopt Anglia and spoke to a helpful young man who said he would pass our details to their postadoption team so we shall see!
I do feel guilty about being stroppy but he and DD need so much care the eldest 3 get no adult activities and they ask for so little.

2old2 are you just relying on disabilty benefits or do you get any extra adoption allowance because the younger ones are severely disabled?

Sorry for delay., the oldest 3 have been ill with a "chesty bug"
Yes we do get an adoption allowance which we use for suitable wheelchairs (another big gripe) and sensory equipment.
Adopt Anglia have said they cannot really help but will back us, but have said DS will be eligible for adoption allowance whilst in education until he is 25, but sadly 2 weeks adoption allowance will not cover 1 night in respite!.

Sorry to sound grumpy......the 2 youngest are in respite we booked 3 nights in a "posh" hotel the 2 eldest are too poorly to go posh both coughing and bauking all over the place.
Thanks for reading X