Profiteering off children: care firms in England accused of squeezing cash from councils
This was reported to be the case in a summer Guardian article. But how can a parent take action?
If you feel that your child is not being treated properly in a care home, particularly regarding poor food quality and high fees, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:
1. Raise Concerns with the Care Home Management
- Formal Complaint: Start by making a formal complaint to the care home management. Put your concerns in writing, detailing specific issues like the poor quality of food and high fees.
- Request a Meeting: To address your concerns and request prompt improvements, you can also ask for a meeting with the management.
2. Review the contract for the care home.
- Review the contract you signed with the care home. It should outline the services you’re paying for, including meals and care quality. If they are not delivering on these services, you may have grounds to demand changes or even negotiate the fees.
3. Contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- The CQC is the regulatory body that monitors and inspects care homes in England to ensure they meet specific standards of care.
- If you believe the care home is failing to meet basic standards, you can lodge a complaint with the CQC. They may investigate the home and take action if necessary. You can visit their website to file a complaint: www.cqc.org.uk.
4. Involve Social Services
- You can get in touch with your local social services department if the local authority is funding the care home. They can intervene if the care home is not providing adequate care or is charging unreasonable fees for poor services.
- Social services have a duty to ensure that children in care receive proper treatment and care, and they may carry out their own investigation.
5. Seek Legal Advice
- If you believe the carer is breaching the contract or is guilty of negligence, you can seek legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in care home disputes. They can help you understand your legal options, including pursuing compensation or challenging the care home’s practices.
- Legal professionals can also assist with escalating the issue to court if necessary.
6. Contact an Advocacy Service
- There are independent advocacy services that support families in disputes with care homes. An advocate can help you communicate with the care home and represent your concerns effectively.
- You can find local advocacy services through charities such as Voiceability or Coram Voice, which specialise in supporting children in care.
7. Engage the Local Authority Ombudsman
- If the care home does not respond adequately to your complaints, and especially if they are privately managed, you can escalate the matter to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. They investigate complaints about adult social care providers, including care homes, and may help resolve the issue.
8. Inspect the Home’s Reviews and Ratings
- Check the CQC’s latest inspection reports and reviews of the care home. If they have failed in their duties or have a history of complaints, this could strengthen your case for raising issues.
Addressing your concerns promptly can lead to improved conditions for your child and possibly reduce unreasonable fees. Would you like assistance drafting a formal complaint or finding relevant resources?
Solicitors@lawdit.co.uk
