Son's case worker

They are over worked but it's no excuse.

It is overwork, but sadly can have such bad consequences.

DS1 has mental health needs and after a 10 week wait for an urgent medication review and referral for therapeutic support, and in deteriorating health he finally had a triage phone call from a social worker from his local mh services last week. He was too poorly to speak to her so I advocated for him, explained that we had by then already visited emergency services twice in 7 days and that he was deeply depressed / suicidal. She listened to me give a very full and informed explanation of his health difficulties and then said she would write a report, send it to his consultant and an appointment would follow. I specifically asked for her to liaise with me and let me know when the appointment might be as DS was so poorly. But she phoned him and left a voicemail to say he would be seen ...in early November. This was the tipping point for him, he is currently on an acute ward. All he has wanted is 'help to be made better' for so many long weeks. SW was aware of his state and I haven't got words to say what distress she caused by contacting him directly.

I had read of your son's plight imperfect It makes my niggle seem insignificant.
Sorry, in the heat of the moment I needed to rant. I do know how hard most of them work.

nina, not at all - I realise I was ranting! That does not make your own woes any less valid and keenly felt!

To be honest, I feel I have been suffering a sense of 'fall out' from the trauma of the past few days. It is not like me to 'bang on' about something, but it has been very hard to see such costly avoidable mistakes being made.

I agree that social workers in all areas are under pressure and overloaded with work. The same goes for the families they're employed to support. What has to happen before this government's austerity approach comes to a halt and services are given more resources, i.e. staff and practical services.
I apologise to Imperfect, nina and other regular contributors who I know are struggling to care for their loved ones, for introducing politics to this discussion. I struggle to understand how things can improve without changes in government policies. We are a wealthy country. We can afford to provide decent public services, put in good training for police, social workers, nurses, those working in education and the criminal justice system. I find it shameful that our services are being diminished in favour of profit making organisations. How can it be right to see health, education or social care as ripe to be privatised for profit making? I'm not suggesting all was perfect previously but things were better and their were aspirations to continue to improve.

No experience or advice nina but a (((hug))) and a listening ear.

yes kittylester, you are right. I'm sorry for ranting and being unable to come up with any constructive suggestions. I have had experience of leaving endless messages for case workers. I recognise work pressures but it isn't good enough not to respond in any way. virtual hugs and positive thoughts instead.

Thanks everyone.

For all of you caring mum's - please feel free to rant, chunter or whatever on here if it helps.

I had loads of support when I needed it so you will too.