Changing direction: direct payments and disabled children
- Author:
- LEECE Janet
- Journal article citation:
- Representing Children, 14(4), 2002, pp.215-225.
- Publisher:
- National Youth Advocacy Service
The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 extended the powers of local authorities to make direct payments to the parents of disabled children and to disabled young people aged 16-17 years themselves. This article looks at the background to direct payments and discusses the disadvantages, advantages and potential to improve the lives of disabled young people and their parents. Also explores some important issues as local authorities expand their schemes. Data from a pilot project in Staffordshire Social Services is also used to inform the debate.
- Subject terms:
- independence, parents, physical disabilities, children, direct payments;
- ISSN print:
- 1359-463x