Disabled Children and the Law

Now in its completely updated second edition, this accessible guide provides essential information about how the law can be used to promote good practice and policy development for disabled children and young people. The authors take an anti-discriminatory and inclusive approach that involves parents and children in decision-making and advocacy. They summarise recent research on common needs and problems of disabled children, young adults and their families, and what support services are valued by them. Individual chapters cover issues affecting children at different stages in the lifecourse, including receiving diagnosis, ensuring educational and social inclusion, and establishing autonomy and independence in early adulthood. The overlapping legal responsibilities of social services, health and education are explained and changes arising from the Children Act 2004 are highlighted. Disabled Children and the Law is an essential reference for practitioners, policy makers, students and families.

Autorentext

Janet Read is a Reader in the School of Health and Social Studies at the University of Warwick. She teaches social work and medical students and is a trainer and consultant in the public and voluntary sectors. Janet has written widely on services for disabled children, adults and their families. Luke Clements is a solicitor and Reader in the School of Law, Cardiff University. He has extensive legal experience of representing disabled children, adults and their families, has published widely on community care and the rights of disabled people, and undertakes training in the public and voluntary sectors. David Ruebain is a partner at Levenes Solicitors. He is Chair of the Law Society's Disability and Mental Health Committee and has received an award from RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabililitation) for his work for the rights of disabled people and those with special needs.

Inhalt

Acknowledgments. 1. Introduction. Part I: Research, the Law and Good Practice. 2. Human Rights, Ethics and Values. 3. Research and Good Practice. 4. The Law and Frequently Encountered Legal Obstacles. 5. The Early Years. 6. The School Years. 7. Becoming an Adult. 8. Children Who Live Away from Home. Part II: Resource Materials. Appendix 1. Complaints Materials. Appendix 2. Social Services Materials. Appendix 3. Disability Facilities Grants Materials. Appendix 4. Precedent Letters. References. Subject Index. Author Index. Index of Legislation and Guidance.