Went to a tribunal yesterday re DLA for a 15 year old lad with ADHD (same case as previous posting). Awarded mid care but chairman rejected my plea (more like kite flying really) for low mob on the basis that he needs supervision outdoors because he is vulnerable to influence from older lads who lead him into petty crime, anti-social behaviour, get him to shoplift on their behalf, etc. He has a string of cautions and minor convictions as a result. None of the usual low mob stuff is present, e.g. inability to use public transport, lack of road safety awareness, panic attacks. Any thoughts on the merits of such an argument? I have asked for written reasons out of interest, but I don't think the maother will want to go to Commissioners and risk a re-hearing.

Brian

The criteria that we use and which usually gets low rate mobility is the child's total lack of understanding of danger, and is some cases to ensure the child does not, in a bad fit of temper, lash out at other childern etc - in both examples the need is to avoid danger to himself or others.

Being led astray by other really doesn't fit the bill - it could be describing half the population under 16 - and is regularly used in juvenile courts in mitigation - it wernt 'is fault Milud, he was led astray....................

There is a Commissioner's Decision that rules out being led astray, in the way you describe, from qualifying for LRM - CDLA/835/1997, I believe.

Thanks both. I'll leave my kite at home next time then.

Brian

......The lad will go far - a WRA with imagination and an interest in kites ...unbeatable combination