21 June 2007
EDCM today welcomes the publication of ‘Care Matters: Time for Change’, the government’s White Paper on children in care. However, the campaign is calling for government to go further in the following areas:
- A right to short breaks for families caring for severely disabled children
- A right to advocacy for all disabled children placed away from home
- A guarantee that all disabled children in 52-week placements will have the protection offered by looked-after children status
The White Paper builds on the proposals of the original Care Matters Green Paper, setting out plans for a new framework for children in care. It is backed by a package of £305 million over the next four years to deliver the proposals.
Christine Lenehan, Director of the Council for Disabled Children and EDCM Board Member, comments:
‘The White Paper sends a strong message from government about the vital role of corporate parents. There are a significant number of references to disabled children in the White Paper and it goes some way to addressing the issues that matter to these children. However, the White Paper does not fully recognise the complexity or the vulnerability of the current population of disabled children in the system. Ministers need to go further to make sure that the proposals deliver for disabled children, one of the most marginalised groups in the care population.’
EDCM will be lobbying government to improve the Care Matters proposals when new legislation is announced in this year’s Queen’s Speech.
EDCM is supporting the Children’s Society campaign ‘Stand by Me', calling for every disabled child placed away from home to be given access to an independent advocate.
More from EDCM
DfES press release on Care Matters: Time for Change
News story: Sign now for disability rights - EDCM backs petition
News story: MPs say - make benefits simpler!
News story: Disabled children 'Living Below The Radar'