For parents with learning disabilities, family, friends and allies
There are 3 important pieces of legislation that show a need for advocacy for parents with learning disabilities;
THE CARE ACT 2014 imposes a duty on Local Authorities to provide an independent advocate where an individual would otherwise have substantial difficulties in being involved in processes such as their own assessment and care planning. The Equality Act 2010 imposes a duty on local Authorities to make reasonable adjustments so as to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity; the provision of an independent advocate may assist with this. www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents The Human Rights Act 1998 entitles a parent to participate fully in decisions as part of their right to a fair trial; this includes being supported prior to any formal legal proceedings being initiated. www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1 Some new Family Court Rules also apply for parents with learning Disabilities in child protection proceedings Rule 3A.4 FPR places a duty on the court to consider whether a party’s participation in the proceedings is likely to be diminished by reason of vulnerability and, if so whether it is necessary to make one or more participation directions (as defined in rule 3A.1 FPR). Rule 3A.4 FPR does not apply to a child or to a party who is a protected party. https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/practice-direction-3aa-vulnerable-persons-participation-in-proceedings-and-giving-evidence This is the Good practice guidance on working with parents with a learning disability (2007) Updated September 2016 Key features of good practice This should be read in the context of the following statutory guidance:
The following good practice guidance is also relevant:
The general aims of good practice in supporting parents with learning disabilities and their families are to:
Good practice is underpinned by the policy, legislation and guidance. Children have a right to be protected from harm
There are five key features of good practice in working with parents with learning disabilities:
Children's services Most parents with disabilities, including parents with a learning disability or mental health problem, lead successful and fulfilling lives as parents, calling on the support they have been assessed as needing. A social services team should not make a judgement on your ability or 'capacity' to be a parent without first assessing, and then offering via a care plan, your need for support. In a situation where children cannot live with a parent(s), or a child's well-being needs to be reviewed, it would need to be shown that it is not because of a lack of support to you. The English Care and Support (eligibility Criteria) Regulations for England and Wales state that an adult's support needs should be met, in their own rights, if they arise from impairment or illness and if, as a consequence, the adult's well being is adversely affected. To qualify for support, the adult must be assessed as being unable to manage at least 2 specified outcomes, which includes caring responsibilities for a child and maintaining a habitable home. (Tarleton 2017) |
Who are we?
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Who are you? |
Over 10 years we have been working with Parents who have learning disabilities and difficulties. We have learned a thing or two from parents about what can help.
We believe that parents with learning difficulties and disabilities can be great parents.
Things that can help parents do a great job
- Easy to understand meetings and books, video and stuff - Good support from professionals all working together to provide support - Being able to show professionals what sort of parent you are in a way that is right for you - Having support that is right for you, for a long time if you need it. . |
This site is for parents who have learning difficulties or disabilities and anyone who supports them.
We also can give you some information and advice
We can help you if you need some information on parenting.
We can help you if you need information about how you should be assessed and supported if you have a social worker for your child or are involved in child protection proceedings We can help you if you are a friend, family member or professional who wants to know more information about good practice and the best way to support parents with learning difficulties/disabilities |