CYP Now - NCB Now: Comment - Disabled young people need improved support

The transition to adulthood is a critical time for most young people: daunting, but exciting. Where disabled young people and their families are concerned, however, a lack of effective support can make this period difficult and damaging. Some describe it as "hurtling into a void" due to the powerlessness they experience.

The problem is partly due to poor communication between service providers.

It is compounded by differing eligibility criteria in child and adult social services. This can mean families suddenly receive no or very little support, and cultural differences between services make it hard for authorities to improve the handover.

What's more, disabled young people often lack access to leisure, transport and employment, which can leave them isolated, with few opportunities to make friends and broaden their life experience.

The good news is that awareness of the problem is increasing. For example, the recent report from the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People, argued that the benefits of early intervention would be lost unless transition was managed effectively.

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