The junior schools minister is to speak on the matter after the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) campaign obtained a legal opinion from community care lawyers Paul Bowen and Luke Clements.
The lawyers said under sections 20 (1) and 17 of the Children Act 1989 and sections 2 and 28A of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, a right to short breaks could already exist.
The EDCM campaign wrote to all its members yesterday (Tuesday 8 January) encouraging them to test this opinion by trying to bring cases against local authorities if they have previously refused short breaks.
Steve Broach, EDCM's campaign manager, said: "What we feel is necessary is an entitlement in law. These families should not have to depend on funding decisions by central or local government to get a service that they should have by right."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
