Brooke calls for better respite care for disabled children

3.04.27pm GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

Respite care helps families with disabled children stay together

Local MP Annette Brooke spoke out in Parliament yesterday to put pressure on the Government to offer better respite care for children with disabilities.

Annette, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families, spoke during a debate on the life chances of disabled children. Annette advocated the value of respite care in helping families with disabled children to stay together.

Annette said:

"The provision of short respite breaks very much represents investing to save if it holds the family together, avoids a child being placed in residential care and perhaps keeps the parents' relationship together. Surely, that is such a saving overall to society that that money is well spent."

Annette added:

"It is a win-win situation with the disabled child having quality time with peers, and siblings having quality time with their parents."

Annette Brooke is a co-sponsor of the Disabled Children (Family Support Bill) which will be debated in Parliament on 23rd February 2007. The Bill will introduce a specific duty on local authorities and Primary Care Trusts to provide appropriate short breaks for families with disabled children who provide a substantial level of ongoing care.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Disabled Children

House of Commons

Official Report (Hansard)

23 Jan 2007 : Column 1374

Link to full debate: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070123/debtext/70123-0017.htm#07012372000130

The Disabled Children (Family Support) Bill is being promoted by the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign, run by four national organisations working with disabled children - Contact a Family, the Council for Disabled Children, Mencap and the Special Education Consortium. The campaign is delighted that Gary Streeter MP (Cons, Devon SW) has adopted the Bill, which will have its second reading on 23rd February 2007.