Carers of disabled children win legal duty to breaks
19 March 2008
Carers UK welcomes and congratulates the success of the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign in securing new legal duties on local authorities to help parents caring for disabled children by giving them breaks from their caring responsibilities.
The House of Lords, on March 17th, amended the Children and Young Persons Bill to create the duty which was proposed jointly by Government Minister Lord Adonis and Mencap President Lord Rix.
Every Disabled Child Matters and its supporters, including Carers UK, have been campaigning for the last 18 months to create a stronger legal framework to give families a right to breaks.
Katherine Wilson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs of Carers UK said. ‘This is excellent news and the result of 18 months intelligent campaigning. Breaks are essential for carers to recharge their batteries, and give disabled and older people new opportunities to access positive activities independently of their families.’
‘With Government providing £25 million a year for emergency breaks schemes from October 2007, it is now essential that planned breaks are incorporated into the imminent National Strategy for Carers.’
You can find out more about the Bill and the Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign here
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