A parliamentary committee has called for major changes to disabled children’s social care law in England, recognising that the current system is confusing, inconsistent and too often leaves families fighting for help until they reach crisis point.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has backed reforms Contact has long called for, including:
– National eligibility criteria to tackle the postcode lottery
– A clear right to an assessment
– An updated and inclusive definition of disability
– Assessments that properly recognise neurodivergent children’s needs
– Clearer guidance on families’ rights and councils’ responsibilities
This could be an important step towards a fairer, simpler and more supportive system. The government must now turn these recommendations into action and the disabled children’s organisation, Contact, has set up a way for you to easily email your MP with your views: Have Your Say