Children With Learning Disabilities Should Be Supported Locally, Not Sent Away, Says Charity, UK

January 14, 2007 – 7:46 pm | posted in Pediatrics, Psychology / Psychiatry

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities backs the Children’s Society’s call for the Government to provide an independent advocate to all disabled children living away from home, but its Co-Director, Barbara McIntosh, says that the priority should be to provide good local support to every child and their family:

“Many children are having to leave their families and friends because local services aren’t providing the necessary support. Growing up can be difficult for any child, but for those with a learning disability, it can be even more challenging. Children must be given the choice to stay at home, rather than be on their own sometimes hundreds of miles away from relatives.

“Our current Life in the Community project is working to enhance opportunities for people with learning disabilities to be included and supported in their local communities and we want to see this approach extended to all corners of the UK.”

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:

– Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
– Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
– Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
– Spread knowledge and information

http://www.fpld.org.uk