DCP reports highlight need to focus on disabled families and racial disparities in support

2 mins read

Thursday 3 October 2024

Two new reports from the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) call on the government to put disabled children at the heart of decision-making – and focus on Black and Asian ethnic minority children – when planning support services.

Disabled Children at the Table is a joint report from the DCP and Council for Disabled Children.

Anna Bird, Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership and CEO of Contact, says:

“More than one in ten children in the UK are disabled. Yet their lives – and those of their families – are often invisible in debates about public services and priorities. As a result, parents face a constant battle to get the support their children need. Children are not able to fulfil their potential, and families are not able to live the lives they want. This report highlights the need to prioritise disabled children and their families and the action we need to see from the new government. “

The report also recommends committing to a cross-party strategy and investment – particularly in early intervention. 

Meanwhile, Support not suspicion shows that assumptions about race mean social workers have a tendency to approach ethnic minority families through a child protection lens, rather than offering support in caring for their disabled child. 

The research also highlighted a sense of isolation amongst families. Many talked of a lack of understanding of their situation during social care assessments. 

The DCP is urging the Department for Education to focus on supporting disabled children in black and Asian ethnic minority communities in its reforms to children’s social care. 

More information 

Visit our webpages What is social care? and Needs assessments.

You can also read about Our social care asks ahead of Law Commission consultation.