EDCM Update

http://www.ncb.org.uk/edcm/news/latest_news.aspx

EDCM Supporter Update:
September 2011


Welcome back! We hope that you all had nice summers. The EDCM offices have been very busy over the summer and even though it is the first week back for Parliament there is already lots going on. Keep up to date with all our latest news through Facebook and Twitter.

New Resource!

Lots of families with disabled children have reported to us that they have struggled to get an assessment from their local authority. Under the law, councils must assess every child who is or may be a child 'in need'. Children are 'in need' if they are 'disabled'. Therefore, it is unlawful for a local authority to refuse an assessment for a disabled child.

Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) in association with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, has launched a template letter to help families with disabled children to gain an assessment for social care services.

This letter is intended to help parents who have been told that their council will not assess their disabled child in relation to short breaks or any other specialist social care service.

The first step for a parent of a disabled child who needs short breaks, or other social care services, is to ask for an assessment. Parents should ask their social worker (if they have one) or the duty worker for the Disabled Children's Team (or equivalent) if they will carry out the assessment. If the answer to a request for an assessment is 'no', then a version of this letter can be sent to explain the legal situation.

For more information on whether this letter is relevant to you please see the letter and accompanying guidance here.

EDCM Local Authority Disabled Children's Charter

Earlier this year, EDCM launched a new version of the Local Authority Charter to reflect changes in policy and law. The new Local Authority Disabled Children's Charter contains eleven goals for local authorities to achieve, some of which are the same as those included in the original Charter. Sixteen local authorities have already signed up to the new Charter. If your local authority hasn't signed up, why not email them and ask them to show their commitment to disabled children and their families.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Laura, Helen and Peter
Campaign Team
Every Disabled Child Matters
Council for Disabled Children, NCB
8 Wakley Street
London, EC1V 7QE

Email: info@edcm.org.uk
Tel: 020 7843 6082
Fax: 020 7843 6313
More from EDCM

EDCM News

Parents tell Minister and MPs about barriers to work for families with disabled children

Sixty MPs and Peers attend EDCM and Family Fund event at the House of Commons to launch a new EDCM report 'Breaking down barriers: Makines work pay for families with disabled children'.

Minister says issues for disabled young people "very high on our priority list"

Support for disabled young people in transition was debated in Parliament this week. Issues raised included employment, welfare reform and transition support.

Other News

Review of DLA mobility component seeks views of young people, parents and colleges

An independent review is looking into how mobility is funded for disabled people living in residential care. They are seeking responses from young people (16 +) living in residential schools, colleges and care homes, and from parents, family members and schools. Respond by 10th October

Online Petition - Don't let disabled children pay the price for welfare reform

Sign this petition that calls for unfair plans to cut support by up to £27 per week for 100,000 disabled children to be reversed.

The childcare trap - High childcare costs are affecting parents' ability to work, train and study

Save the Children and the Daycare Trust have this week launched the findings from a survey of more than 4,000 parents on access to childcare and the impact of childcare costs.

They have launched an action calling on the Government to cover up to 80 percent of childcare costs in the new welfare system.

Every Disabled Child Matters is the campaign fighting for rights and justice for every disabled child. Please sign up to support the campaign now, and ask everyone you know to do the same.
You can donate to EDCM online.
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Registered Charity No. 258825. Registered in England and Wales No 952717. Registered office: National Children's Bureau, 8 Wakley Street, London, EC1V 7QE.