Losing parental responsibility

mumofjade

Hi,  my daughter had cerebral palsy and epilepsy as well as learning difficulties.   She turns 18 next month and I've been made aware that I'll loose parental responsibility for her! I feel confused, concerned and heartbroken! I have no idea what this means and I'm the only person who knows my daughter and I don't want outsiders making decisions for her.  Can someone please explain  what happens,  or point me In the right direction for advice?  Many thanks michelle x 

Ami2301

Hi @mumofjade welcome to the community! Sorry to hear this, was this decision made by a court?

JennysDad

Hello Michelle @mumofjade and a warm welcome to you. Good to have you with us.
I'm very sorry that you are struggling and we'll try to get you relevant advice. I'm going to tag our CP specialist @Richard_Scope and I am sure he will get back to you as soon as possible.
Don't hesitate to keep in touch and to tell us anything more that you think we might be able to help with, or just to chat.
To make sure of contacting the person you want it is useful to tag them as I have tagged Richard above. My tag is @JennysDad
I will look forward to getting to know you better.
Warmest best wishes to you and to Jade,
@JennysDad

Richard_Scope

Hi @mumofjade

Good to meet you. I can see that this is a very worrying time for you. Could I ask who told you that you will lose parental responsibility for Jade? I will research this and get back to you as soon as possible.

Richard_Scope

Hi again @mumofjade

I have found this information through Contact for Families with Disabled Children

I will of course keep looking for relevant information.

poppy123456

Hi,

This is because when your daughter reaches the age of 18 in the eyes of the law she becomes an adult in her own right and the legal position on making decisions changes. The parent loses automatic rights to make decisions about their "child".

To change this and take over responsibility for her and to continue to make decisions then you'll have to show that she doesn't have the mental capacity to make decisions for herself. You'll need a solicitor to act on your behalf. A very complicated procedure and not really something a forum could advise you further about.

If she claims benefits then you can of course become her appointee for this purpose. This will mean that you will manage her benefits and claims for her. Be responsible for reporting changes, filling out forms etc.

Here's a link for you to read https://advisingfamilies.org/information-portal/caring-for-others/make-decisions-disabled-child/

Natasza

Hi.
When your child turns 18 they become an adult and you will no longer have the right to make decisions on their behalf. This refers to health or financial decisions. Including accomodation. When that person does not have capacity to make their own decisions, these will be made "in their best interest" by either health or social care professionals. It would be unusual for them not to seek  your input in making these decisions but ultimately they would be made by the professionals.
However,  you can apply to the court of protection and ask to be appointed a legal guardian by the court for that individual. This way you will retain the right to make important decisions rather than them being made by professionals. I'm not sure that you need a solicitor for that, but you can research this online.
Best wishes 

SteveE

Good luck. Do try to ensure you have the final say. Most professionals will be sensible but one or two will put their views first and try to force their way. You are likely to always know best and you are by far the best qualified and the most professional (even if you have no "diploma"). Be strong.