Support for families with children with special needs is patchy

Family support and respite care for children with special educational needs is patchy, according to a new report published by the government  today.

“Gaps in family support and short break/respite provision come out very strongly from this audit. These are a major factor in parents/carers opting for placements away from home,” says the government audit of services for children with low incidence special needs.

Children surveyed also face barriers accessing mental health services, Connexions and social and leisure opportunities, the report found.

Low incidence is a term to describe needs that occur less frequently and includes severe autism, sensory impairments, behavioural difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

On Monday Charity Shared Care Network called for more short breaks for disabled children after surveying current provison.

National audit of support, services and provision for low incidence needs
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR729.pdf

Shared Care Network report Still waiting?
http://www.sharedcarenetwork.org.uk/scn/dynamic/scn89.shtml