Significant steps were taken last year to improve the lives of families with disabled children. The government has enabled more parents to find suitable childcare, have breaks from caring and go on family holidays.
But, new evidence this week provides a salient reminder of the danger of focusing too narrowly on children. A report by Livability suggests that up to 500,000 disabled 16-20 year olds are in the wrong accommodation to promote their independence and make progress towards adulthood.
There's both a lack of social housing and group residential places designed for young disabled people, and it leaves many living with their parents or in residential care.
The planning around transition needs to improve if the good work being done earlier in children's lives is not to be unpicked.
Livability calls for inquiry
Office for Disability Issues: Mentally ill are worst off among disabled
18 July 2008
Not-for-profit sector ineffective, say MPs
09 July 2008
News round up: Not-for-profit sector ineffective, say MPs
09 July 2008
Residential care: children's safeguarding under scrutiny
08 July 2008
Children's homes and disabled people's services exempt from strike
'Parents use forced marriage as care option for learning disabled'
NHS London report finds inappropriate sexual contact over two decades
GSCC: Social worker suspended for relationship with child's father
Government Legislation
17 July 2008
Private Member Bills
17 July 2008
Details of government consultations
11 July 2008
