National Programme for the Restructuring of Children’s Disability Services
HSE Bulletin June 2011
The HSE published a Bulletin in June 2011 to keep interested parties informed about the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People national programme for the restructuring of children’s disability services. The Bulletin is available at http://www.informingfamilies.ie/_fileupload/News/Bulletin%205_7_11_doc.pdf
In Ireland disability services, delivered by the HSE and non-statutory organisations, have developed independently over time, so there is wide variation in the services available in different parts of the country and for different categories of disability. As a consequence of this some children and their families have little or no access to services. A more equitable and consistent way to provide services for children with disabilities is needed, and we must work together to achieve the greatest benefit possible within our resources. A national programme has been launched which will change the way services are provided across the country. It is based on the recommendations of the Report of the National Reference Group on Multidisciplinary Services for Children aged 5-18 Years produced by representatives of the professions and management involved in delivering multi-disciplinary services to children. This Report is available to read on the HSE website http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Disability_Services/.
