Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
Supporting disabled children and their families in Northern Ireland: a research and policy review
- Authors:
- KELLY Berni, MONTEITH Marina
- Publisher:
- National Children's Bureau
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 12p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Research has provided valuable information on how support services in Northern Ireland can be targeted to meet the needs of disabled children and their families, some of which is based on the views of these children and their parents who are most able to identify the types of services they require. It is imperative that this knowledge is incorporated into the delivery and development of support services in Northern Ireland. Research suggests that parents experience poorly coordinated systems and inadequate services especially at particular stages, such as diagnosis or post-school transitions. Respite care services hold potential benefits for disabled children and their families but need to be more flexible, comprehensive, family based and focused on the needs and wishes of disabled children. There is a need to develop more integrated recreational, social and leisure opportunities for disabled children to help combat their social exclusion.
Disabled children and young people in out-of-home-care: summary report
- Authors:
- KELLY Berni, DOWLING Sandra, WINTER Karen
- Publishers:
- Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 68
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report summarises the key findings of an Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) funded study to examine the over-representation of disabled children and young people in out-of-home care in Northern Ireland (NI). It summarises the findings of a review of literature on out-of-home care for disabled children and young people and looks at the demographic profile of disabled children in out-of-home care, those fully looked after and those looked after for short breaks. Drawing on the findings of interviews and analysis of case files, it presents findings on the needs and experiences of fully looked after disabled children, as well as the views of their birth parents, carers and social workers. The research found evidence of good professional practice, including examples of partnerships with families and integrated working. Areas identified for development and improvement include: early intervention and family support; investment in relationships and support whilst in care; inequality in services access, for example CAMHS; investment in a broader range of placement options and increased opportunity for permanence; improvement in multi-disciplinary and multi-sector working; promoting children's participation in services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Profiling the population of disabled children and young people in out-of-home care in Northern Ireland
- Authors:
- KELLY Berni, DOWLING Sandra, WINTER Karen
- Publishers:
- Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 99
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report presents an analysis of the profile of the population of disabled looked after children (LAC) and young people in NI across two distinct groups: 323 disabled fully LAC (living away from home on a full time basis) and 164 disabled children and young people looked after due to short breaks. It is the second phase of a wider study on the characteristics and experiences of disabled children and young people looked after in Northern Ireland. The report examines the demographic characteristics of the population; family background; looked after experience, such as reason for entry to care and placement type; safeguarding; education; access to mental health services and transitional support. It finds that the total of 323 disabled fully LAC represents 11.2% of the total LAC population, showing that disabled children and young people continue to be overrepresented in the LAC population (7% of the general child population in NI being disabled). Those who are fully LAC will have come into care because they cannot remain in their birth family home, often due to child protection concerns. Short break LAC are engaged with short breaks for family support reasons as well as a social and developmental opportunities for the child (although there are safeguarding issues for some). (Edited publisher abstract)