By the Open Arms Team
A client attended a session in Maltby. They had been granted a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) 12 months ago but had never received any additional allowance, which they had been chasing up and were really struggling financially. Finally, they had resolved the allowance issue, but before accepting the offer, they wanted to know how it would affect the other benefits they were already claiming. After reassurance was given, benefits already awarded for SGO support would not be affected in any way, she began to cry as she was so happy and relieved. Further advised what offer benefits she could claim. Post SGO support accessed via new team in Rotherham and independent national charities set up for this and for legal and practical advice for family members caring for children who are in care but with family or are on SGO. She was completely unaware of this.
Result: child’s placement with relatives supported and strengthened. Client informed and was better off by £12,000 in back payments and £800 per month plus additional supports. Informed of ability to access therapy for child outside of school and CAMHS when necessary.