As the adult DLA and AA forms have both been changed recently, I was wondering if anyone knows if the children's claim forms are likely to be changed? If anyone has any insider info could they let me know?

Yes, the child claim forms are being changed. I have raised this with DCS advisory and this is on the agenda at the next DCS Advisory Forum meeting on Monday 26th January where full information on the way forward will be discussed.

In short, there are plans to have a child claim form ready to test in September 09. A working group of children’s organisations have been involved in a workshop to discuss an approach which focuses on the positives. It is expected that a test will need to run for a number of weeks to capture enough data to evaluate the form. There may be further work needed to the form following evaluation and the evaluation would have to show the form was fit for purpose before a decision could be made about national roll-out. The timescales, if everything runs to plan are likely to take us into 2010.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for that, I'll be interested to see what the new forms look like. Will there be an opportunity for workers to comment on the forms before they are rolled out? I'm a Disabled Children's WRO so would be keen to comment on them if possible.

From the information we have to date, it would appear that there will be an opportunity for comments, i will know more after the meeting on Monday.

Further to recent exchanges regarding childrens DLA claim forms, yesterdays DCS Advisory meeting provided further information.

Following research undertaken by DCS, it was found that claiming process was difficult, the form too long, repetitive and complex, focused on what a child "can't do" etc. Also found was children with long term conditions were given limited awards, with unnecesary renewal requests.

The modernisation of the child claiming process, aims to draft a new child claim form, with more efficient evidence gathering (Where required) identifying the best source of information, using parents where appropriate and using evidence already held by parents.

There will be new child impairment guidance, better notification and DM's will have their skills developed by new "tools and processes" to make better and more consistent decisions.

There is a working group made up from the following reps and organisations:
PDCS, NAS,Family Fund, NDCS and CAB, i think the LGA will also be providing input.

The new form will be issued (in draft) by the end of Jan 09, with all comments invited for end of Feb 09.

This will then be followed by further research, a planned testing window and evaluation.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for that, thats really helpful. How do I get to see a copy of the draft form?

I'm assuming here, but as a Council employee, can you not check with the LGA's work and any response/feedback they will provide ?