Rachael's story
‘Rachael’ is a teenager with multiple disabilities including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a mental health disability. When Rachael’s mental health deteriorated, she was detained under the Mental Health Order. While in hospital, Rachael experienced many problems, as staff did not understand the effects of her multiple disabilities, in particular autistic spectrum disorder and how it affected her behaviour. This caused added stress for Rachael and her family, who believed this lack of understanding was preventing her from getting the treatment she needed.
An advocate from Disability Action’s Centre on Human Rights spoke with Rachael and her family and realised that the problems went further than her treatment in the hospital. Rachael was also not getting the support she needed at school and in the community, which seemed to contribute to the deterioration of her mental health. Medical professionals from the Trust and representatives of Rachael’s school, social services and voluntary organisations, were due to meet to coordinate support for when Rachael was discharged from hospital. However, some representatives failed to show up to these meetings. Rachael’s condition became life threatening.
What human rights were violated?
‘Rachael’ is a teenager with multiple disabilities including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a mental health disability. When Rachael’s mental health deteriorated, she was detained under the Mental Health Order. While in hospital, Rachael experienced many problems, as staff did not understand the effects of her multiple disabilities, in particular autistic spectrum disorder and how it affected her behaviour. This caused added stress for Rachael and her family, who believed this lack of understanding was preventing her from getting the treatment she needed.
An advocate from Disability Action’s Centre on Human Rights spoke with Rachael and her family and realised that the problems went further than her treatment in the hospital. Rachael was also not getting the support she needed at school and in the community, which seemed to contribute to the deterioration of her mental health. Medical professionals from the Trust and representatives of Rachael’s school, social services and voluntary organisations, were due to meet to coordinate support for when Rachael was discharged from hospital. However, some representatives failed to show up to these meetings. Rachael’s condition became life threatening.
What human rights were violated?
Rachael’s right to the highest attainable standard of health.
Rachael’s right to education with support to maximise her academic and social development.
Rachael’s right to live independently in the community, with the support necessary to do so.
Rachael’s right to respect for home and family. Rachael and her family needed more support.
Support provided by the advocate
Support provided by the advocate
The advocate liaised with the hospital immediately to highlight the issues Rachael was experiencing.She explained Rachael’s multiple disabilities and the adjustments she required and eventually the hospital responded positively. The advocate contacted representatives who attended the multi-disciplinary meetings. She explained the importance of these meetings, in developing joined-up provision of support for Rachael. Where a representative failed to attend a meeting, the advocate liaised with them directly and presented proposals.
The advocate negotiated new arrangements for Rachael with social services and the Education and Library Board. A new social care package was also agreed. The advocate has also ensured that Rachael’s support package is now regularly reviewed. Rachael successfully returned to school and obtained GCSEs before progressing on to college.
To read more, please visit: http://www.disabilityaction.org/centre-on-human-rights/advocacy/real-life-stories/
The advocate negotiated new arrangements for Rachael with social services and the Education and Library Board. A new social care package was also agreed. The advocate has also ensured that Rachael’s support package is now regularly reviewed. Rachael successfully returned to school and obtained GCSEs before progressing on to college.
To read more, please visit: http://www.disabilityaction.org/centre-on-human-rights/advocacy/real-life-stories/
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