The Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office received a complaint in 2005 from the mother of a child with an advanced form of a progressive and disabling disease about the manner in which her application for suitable housing had been handled by her local authority.<\/p>\n
The mother complained that she made an application to the housing authority in 2000 on the basis of her son\u2019s long-term needs. She did not accept the initial offer of a house as it had not been adapted for her son. The case was not reviewed for a period of almost four years despite numerous approaches to the local authority by advocates including medical professionals. During which time her son\u2019s physical health had deteriorated.<\/p>\n
The Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office investigated the complaint and found that the case had not been reviewed by the local authority from December 2000 to August 2004 and that in that period eleven identical, generic letters were sent to the mother and her advocates.<\/p>\n
\u201cFour years is a long time in any child\u2019s life but it is an inordinate amount of time for a child with a progressive illness. Timeliness is crucial when making decisions that affect children. The inaction by the local authority, which delayed the decision to find suitable housing for the family, had adversely affected the child. This has affected the child\u2019s general quality of life, freedom, independence and dignity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important to note that Fingal County Council has responded positively to my report and has already taken steps to implement some of my recommendations. The family involved has been offered a house, which is currently being assessed by an architect and occupational therapist to determine how it can be adapted to meet the child\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, on a broader level, I have concerns that no appropriate mechanisms exist for interagency cooperation when it comes to considering and meeting the holistic needs of children with a disability. I would urge the relevant departments to consider remedying this as a matter of priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the course of the investigation, my Office was neither adversary to the public body nor advocate to the child. My Office provides an independent, impartial complaints handling service. In publishing the investigation report is to increase awareness among public bodies of the importance of providing appropriate, timely services for children. I believe that this case illustrates the negative consequences of inaction for children and their families.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ms Logan has written to the Department of the Environment to invite them to meet her to discuss related public policy issues concerning children.<\/p>\n
ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\nContact: Nikki Gallagher at 01-8656803 or 086-8163246<\/p>\n