Peter McGuire Workers Party Representative for Derry City has called on the Department of Health to make available Funds to provide Services for those young adults with special needs.
Mr McGuire said it is scandalous that those with special needs who have been eligible for care and other services while classed as children suddenly find themselves without the necessary support when it is deemed they should be treated and supported by adult services. It would seem that once again those with special needs are being denied the support they need. He added special needs does not disappear when children reach adulthood in fact it can become more intense due to the lack of structure that was present during their time in special needs facilities such as schools or day centres .
The Workers Party have raised the issue of special needs children over a substantial period of time. We have flagged up the need for individual plans to support the needs of each child, and the necessity for structure and a supportive environment. Why would anyone think that this support mechanism would no longer be needed because of the age of the individuals.
Mr McGuire finished by saying this is typical of the lack of forward planning on the part of the system and the lack of funding allocated to special needs services. Families should not have to constantly argue for help and support just because children with special needs have grown into adulthood.