As reported by MSN, families of disabled children are facing average delays of over 200 days to receive essential social care assessments, according to new research from national disability charity Sense
A recent survey by Censuswide, commissioned by Sense, polled 1,000 parents and carers of disabled children across the UK in February and March. The findings reveal an average wait time of 210 days for an initial assessment by children’s social services. Alarmingly, nearly one in five families (17%) reported waiting more than a year.
Sense described a system that forces parents into prolonged struggles to secure the support their children urgently need. With 1.8 million disabled children across the UK, the charity says that long delays are leaving countless families without appropriate guidance or help from their local authorities.
James Watson-O’Neill, Chief Executive of Sense, called for “urgent reform” to prevent vulnerable children from being left behind. The research highlights the emotional and practical toll on families who are left to cope alone during the crucial early years of their child’s development. Without timely assessments, many miss out on vital services, including therapy, specialist equipment and respite care.
In response, a Government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges within the current system, saying: “This Government inherited a children’s social care system failing to meet the needs of this country’s most vulnerable children and in dire need of reform. As part of our Plan for Change, we’re ensuring thousands more families will have the support of a specialist worker to help them overcome challenges, including managing a child’s disabilities, by doubling council funding for early intervention from this year.”
Be the first to comment