Parents Demand Education and Placements for Children with Special Needs

Strategic Insights -

Mothers and their children with special needs staged a protest at Stormont to draw attention to the lack of opportunities and support for young people in Northern Ireland after they turn 19. The campaign for Caleb's Law, led by Alma White, aims to introduce legislation to provide children with special needs with the same legal rights to placements or education after 18 as those in England. The protest highlighted the difficulties faced by families in finding support and employment for their children with special needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dozens of mothers and their children with special needs protested at Stormont, demanding education and placements for their children after they turn 19.
  • The campaign for Caleb's Law, led by Alma White, aims to introduce legislation to provide children with special needs with the same legal rights to placements or education after 18 as those in England.
  • Education Minister Paul Givan has plans to establish a "flagship" capital programme for the SEN school estate, requiring £1.7 billion over the next 10 years.
  • Many young people with special needs in Northern Ireland are being left behind without opportunities, employment, care, or respite once they turn 19.
  • There is no data collected on how many young people in Northern Ireland are in this position, highlighting the need for greater support and resources.
  • Alma White's son Caleb has autism, ADHD, and selective mutism, and she is aware of the serious challenges he will face when he turns 19.
  • Suzy Ward's son Eoin has challenging behavior and requires 24-hour care, leading to exhaustion for his mother, who only gets two hours of sleep a night.

Statistics:

  • £1.7 billion: The amount required for the "flagship" capital programme for the SEN school estate over the next 10 years.
  • 19: The age at which children with special needs in Northern Ireland lose access to education and placements.
  • 2: The number of hours of sleep Suzy Ward gets per night due to the demands of caring for her son Eoin.
  • 24/7: The level of care required by Suzy Ward's son Eoin, who has challenging behavior and needs constant attention.
  • 17: The age of Alma White's son Caleb, who has autism, ADHD, and selective mutism.

Sources:

  • News Letter: "Mothers' struggle to care for children with special needs". (No date provided)
  • BBC News: "Northern Ireland parents protest over support for children with special needs". (No date provided)
  • Image credits: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press (No date provided)