The National Service Framework for Disabled Children - One Year On

IJust over one year after publication of the National Service Framework the Council for Disabled Children organised a conference to focus on what is happening for disabled children and young people. The key aims of the conference were to: 

• Provide an opportunity to hear from ministers from the DfES and the Department of Health about current government thinking
  
  
• Provide delegates with the opportunity to participate in workshops showcasing national good practice
  
  
• Launch a range of new materials which support implementation of the National Service Framework for disabled children. This included an exemplar on complex disability.

Feedback from delegates on the conference programme and workshops was overwhelmingly positive. DfES and the Council for Disabled Children have produced a joint report which summarises delegates' overall views of the conference and key points from each workshop. It also looks at what delegates felt would be useful next steps. Annexes contain transcripts of speeches given by ministers and a parent.

Workshops topics included direct payments, palliative care, transition to adulthood, outcomes for disabled children, participation and children's trusts.

The report will be of interest to anyone involved in commissioning or delivering services for disabled children and their families.