CYP Now - Disabled children ‘failed and forgotten’ by government, survey finds

Gaps in provision from health, education and social care are contributing to the ill health of seven in 10 disabled children, according to a survey carried out by the Disabled Children's Partnership.

Three-quarters of parents say they have left their jobs to care for a their disabled child, research finds. Picture: Adobe Stock

The poll of 2,200 parents and carers of disabled children, released ahead of the government’s response to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) review expected next month, finds that local authorities and education, health and social services are “failing in their duty of care” to support the needs of disabled children.

With three-quarters of parents admitting to giving up their careers to “fill the gaps” in provision and 70 per cent of parents saying that their disabled children’s health is “deteriorating” as a result of ongoing delays in treatment, equipment, mental health support and therapies, the Disabled Children's Partnership has put out “an enormous red flag alert” to government and local authorities in its Failed and Forgotten report.

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