Proposals to improve welfare of children with disabilities in care published

Article summary

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has published nine new recommendations to improve the care, welfare and outcomes for children with disabilities and complex health needs living in residential settings. The recommendations call for a major overhaul of safeguarding system to protect children with disabilities from abuse at children’s homes, and to overcome the ‘culture of abuse and harm’, including physical abuse and violence, neglect, emotional abuse and sexual harm present in these settings. The Panel has urged government departments, inspectorates and NHS England to come together to transform the education, health and care offer so that children with disabilities and complex health needs are safe and supported.