Under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, 16 and 17-year-olds can now receive direct payments to purchase their own personal assistance. The same legislation also allows for unpaid carers (usually parents) to be given the funding to 'buy' the form of respite care that best suits the young people in their care.
According to Rowen Jade, Youth Independent Living Worker with the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living, offering choice and control through the employment of personal assistants to young people as well as adults is a significant move. "A youth personal assistance support scheme is an essential element in young disabled people's journey towards independence and inclusion. Young disabled people should have the same rights as disabled adults to exercise choice and control over their lives", she said.
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