Thought I could help but I can't

okra

I can understand you being upset about some of the attitudes presented on here, but hopefully you can also recognise that child support is an emotive issue (from either side). Mistakes made by, or poor service from the CSA can be life altering, so people are bound to feel strongly.

In my experience, the CSA just isn't delivering the service it should. In some cases, that is the fault of the individuals - I've had a couple of glaring mistakes made, I've been lied to, ignored and had some really inappropriate comments particularly from staff who are the initial point of contact on the helpdesk. My caseworkers have all been better, but they seem to be overworked, and have their hands tied a lot of the time. My perception of the CSA as an organization is that it's pretty badly managed and that impacts on the way the staff are able to do their jobs.

I don't think a little respect for either side would go amiss

mrsspendalot

Well I have to say that at first the CSA were rubbish at taking over a year to even assess my ex despite being given his national insurance number, bank details and everything i could give them to trace him. However, with a little advice from the CAB on an unrelated matter, I was advised to write to the Chief Executive and I did. My case was immediately sorted, a full back dated assessment carried out, and a full written apology sent by the Chief Exec. The CSA after that were brilliant and got my payments sorted and the arrears as well, after they took my ex to court for a liability order.

Quietgirl

I am pleased with the csa. Mistakes have been made with my case but nothing drastic. They got my girl money which would never have been paid voluntry by her dad. I am happy and greatful to my caseworker whover she may be.

justontime

Janiegs I hope you don't go, because people who use this site appreciate people such as yourself who take time to offer advice. I have to put in a good word for Mr Green Genes too. I am an NRPP, I have my children living with me but my husband is a NRP (not by choice). He has no CSA arrears and an excellent payment history. You would assume that in these circumstances having CSA in our lives wouldn't be too bad, but actually it has been a living hell with countless appeals, departures and assorted complaints. Sadly it is all too easy for the system to be used as a weapon when there are problems between the PWC and NRP. We have come across some competent and helpful people at CSA, but we have also encountered too many of the other kind. If it had not been for the support of Mr Green Genes and a few other people like him we wouldn't have got through this. I think Kelloggs is right, the system and the poor management makes it almost impossible for anyone to do a good job and it is hardly surprising that staff are disheartened. The Government make it sound so simple NRP = bad, PWC = victim. It really isn't that simple and until they understand that, I don't think we will ever resolve the problems.

aussiesbird

Janiegs, you are obviously committed to your job and I have no doubt that you and others who work in the CSA are competent at what they are doing but you are in the minority and unfortunately you get tarred with the same brush. We received a phone call from the CSA the other day and the lady on the line said "I have some good news for you". Great I thought, at last. She continued "Your partners ex requested a review back in June 2005 which we have overlooked so we will be writing to you to advise you on arrears to be paid".
"How is that good news for us?" I asked. Her reply "Oh sorry, I meant not so good news" :mad: What a complete *****!! If I had got my hands on her! Alot of peoples frustration turns to anger and this is what you are seeing on this forum, please don't take it personally, it's just our way of letting off steam. Your input on this forum is invaluable and I hope you decide to stay and help those of us who desperately need advice and support.

janiegs

justontime wrote: »

Janiegs I hope you don't go, because people who use this site appreciate people such as yourself who take time to offer advice. I have to put in a good word for Mr Green Genes too. I am an NRPP, I have my children living with me but my husband is a NRP (not by choice). He has no CSA arrears and an excellent payment history. You would assume that in these circumstances having CSA in our lives wouldn't be too bad, but actually it has been a living hell with countless appeals, departures and assorted complaints. Sadly it is all too easy for the system to be used as a weapon when there are problems between the PWC and NRP. We have come across some competent and helpful people at CSA, but we have also encountered too many of the other kind. If it had not been for the support of Mr Green Genes and a few other people like him we wouldn't have got through this. I think Kelloggs is right, the system and the poor management makes it almost impossible for anyone to do a good job and it is hardly surprising that staff are disheartened. The Government make it sound so simple NRP = bad, PWC = victim. It really isn't that simple and until they understand that, I don't think we will ever resolve the problems.

I know the system is bad, but I find it hard to understand that people are including people like myself who are willing to give up our own free time to try and help however small that help may be in the "useless" category.

As I've said may times (not on here yet though), the rules were made by people who have never found themselves the wrong side of their own front door with just a binbag with their clothes in. I like to think I have a balanced view too, as my mum left my sister and I with my dad and never paid a penny in maintenance. A few quid might have helped my dad when the only thing in the cupboard was brown sauce. Luckily by that time I had left home and was working, and happened to call round and see how bad things were, so I bought some food.....but it wasn't good IYKWIM.

I spend a lot of time putting people's accounts right that have been charged incorrectly....mistakenly or not I thought I might have something to offer here which my have been a genuine help to someone.

janiegs

aussiesbird wrote: »

Janiegs, you are obviously committed to your job and I have no doubt that you and others who work in the CSA are competent at what they are doing but you are in the minority and unfortunately you get tarred with the same brush. We received a phone call from the CSA the other day and the lady on the line said "I have some good news for you". Great I thought, at last. She continued "Your partners ex requested a review back in June 2005 which we have overlooked so we will be writing to you to advise you on arrears to be paid".
"How is that good news for us?" I asked. Her reply "Oh sorry, I meant not so good news" :mad: What a complete *****!! If I had got my hands on her! Alot of peoples frustration turns to anger and this is what you are seeing on this forum, please don't take it personally, it's just our way of letting off steam. Your input on this forum is invaluable and I hope you decide to stay and help those of us who desperately need advice and support.

I could probably tell you some horror stories myself. I wish it was different, I truly do. If you tell me the old assessment amount, the new assessment amount and the date of the new assessment, I can probably tell you the arrears before they do so you can brace yourself. DO you have any changes that should have been taken into account though - your council tax must have changed for instance, and maybe your mortgage/rent?

gypsyjanet

I have always felt sorry for people who have to work for the CSA , even before I had to have dealings with them. The government starts a system that is unworkable and then lets it continue just because it has to save face.
Its the same as cycle paths , there are bits of them everywhere , they arent joined up and theres no laws in place to stop motorists parking and blocking them then you hear of some poor cyclist being done for not using them!!!
I think the CSA is set up in such a way that it can do nothing but upset people on all sides. Things will get to all of us at times but as long as there is a support network such as this then to be fair even Mr Green Genes should be able to have his say. If he, or anyone else has had really traumatc experiences with the CSA then Id like to know this . We can all learn from others experiences .