Parents of Northampton teen who '˜tries to kill himself every day' need more help from council

Enrico Toska is only 14, but the youngster who has severe autism and has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has already been excluded from two schools.

But the Toska family say they are at a stage where they cannot get any more help for their son, because Northamptonshire County Council’s social services and respite care centres say they are unable to help him.

Mum Amy, 34, and dad Klod, 36 say Enrico can have violent outbursts, harms himself regularly and is often in an emotional state - but she argues this should entitle him to more help.

Currently the family say they are desperate as they feel cut adrift.

“He tries to kill himself every day, but no one cares,” Amy said.

“Sometimes he screams like he is being murdered, I just feel so helpless.

“I want him to go into either permanent care, hospital or have residential schooling, but we are told that we are not eligible for either.”

Currently Enrico is at Bletchley Park School in Milton Keynes, but his parents say this is not appropriate for him and he has had to spend much of the last six months at home.

He has already been excluded from specialist schools in Northampton and Rugby as well as a local respite centre. He also attended Lavender House in Kettering before it was shut down. Sadly they say, this was the perfect place for him.

Amy and Klod have been trying to get their son into a residential school in Lincolnshire, but so far the county council has only offered them a placement in Southampton, which they say is too far away.

But even if his schooling situation is resolved, the family also desperately need help when Enrico is at home as well.

Currently they are visited by a social worker twice a month, but they say that its not enough.

Dad Klod, who is covered in cuts and bruises and had been awake for 33 hours when the Chron spoke to him, said: “I can only help him so much. He needs round the clock care. We are always being told there is no one suitable to help him.

“But we have been battling for two-and-a-half years to get him more help.

“He has changed schools four times . He is so confused now.”

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “We are working closely with the family to find a suitable placement that meets the young person’s specific needs.

“The county council has offered the family one placement but they felt it was too far away. The family has suggested an alternative placement and we now need to assess it to make sure it is appropriate and will meet his needs and requirements, and negotiate if the placement will be in a position to accept the child.”