We are ready to sue the contracting agency. Deb can we do that?

[Paul from Australia]

Wednesday 17th of December.

Well folks, you guessed it. The carer contracting agency let Grant down again big time today.

I have already said We give up. We give up. I really don't know what else we can say. It is that grim :mad:

Here's what happened.

Yesterday I phoned the contracting agency person and asked who they had coming today. She said that ***x was coming at 3.30, so far so good.

At 3.40 today, no one showed up, so I phoned the agency saying that I needed to pick up Grant and would they please check to see where the person coming was and make contact and let me know the situation. Not an unreasonable request surely.

Well, no mind reading needed here. You know what happened of course = NOTHING!

1. The person contracted to come did not come.
2. The agency person has not contacted us regarding the missing person.

I just don't know what to do. Emails to the regional manager are now being ignored completely.

The contact person we have at the moment for booking carers is a temp; probably never done this type of work before. We don't even have her email even though the person going on leave assured me that she would give me the temp's email; well of course that didn't happen did it!

As someone here said, I think it was Deb, but don't quote me on that, there must be a crediting board of some sort that checks these disability contracting agencies for credibility and work standards. We would love to complain officially.

As I say, I just don't know what to do :mad:

Contracting agency have now gone into the red and get -10 out of 10!

Paul and Alison absolutely fed up, and Grant, not really that concerned having just had a nice bowel movement :)

[Carly'sMa]

I don't know Aussie law. But, here in the US you have to show damage (monetary). But, do you have an actual, written contract? Do you really want to enforce it or just get out of the contract and find another agency?

[peglem]

Paul, does this help?

http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/complaints_and_advocacy

[Paul from Australia]

Hi Deb.

I was really just being arrogant. Even if we could take legal action, it would be out of the question because of costs. Simply can't be done in Australia, unless you have a few hundred thousand dollars to spare!

We do have a plan and this is the plan that was to be addressed by the social worker from the agency who was keen to come out and never phoned back.

What I have done is contact the person who was Grant's advocate (he is great) to see how far away we are from having control of funding. I fear that we may still be a year away.

As we are coming into the Christmas break it would be next to impossible to find another agency. We might have to try that, but it is much more complicated as the Department (because they do the funding) would have to become involved (we now have a 3 year funding package, which theoretically is set in place) to work changes with agencies. We will probably look at the possibility of changing the agency next year.

There are however problems with changing agencies. We currently have one regular carer. Her husband has said that he doesn't want her to change agencies, so for us to change might mean that we lose her and we can't afford to do that as she is a diamond, a gem. Also the new carer who theoretically is coming on board (introduced by us), might find it difficult to change agencies. All very stressful indeed.

seeya.

Paul, Alison and Grant the champ.

I don't know Aussie law. But, here in the US you have to show damage (monetary). But, do you have an actual, written contract? Do you really want to enforce it or just get out of the contract and find another agency?

[Carly'sMa]

I took you literally. But, that is because I am in a litigious mood right now after the wheelchair debacle.

Too bad the very good carer won't switch. But, if you get a better agency, then that might be the breaks. Reliability and other benefits over one good carer. Would she work with you if you didn't need to use an agency and you had control of the funding?

I have only one person now- and she's not the best. But, when you have only one and can't find others- what can you do?

[Donna Thomson]

Hi Paul,
If you have no money to sue, then go to the press. It's a great Christmas story.
Donna

[wheeliebird]

Hi Paul,
If you have no money to sue, then go to the press. It's a great Christmas story.
Donna

Great idea Donna, the press thrives on stories like this plus around the Holidays people feel for situations like this!!

Paul, I'm sorry your having a time with this agency!! I Pray something can be worked out that you have your carers!!!