Family Support Failing Young People with Autism

The BBC has highlighted how young people with autism or special needs can be left stranded on general NHS wards or placed in inappropriate accommodation.

Yet again these vulnerable children can be placed far from home, just because there are insufficient places in the community

Government policy is to reduce the number of children in mental health hospitals, yet there remain huge gaps in the wrap around support needed with local authorities struggling to recruit staff, difficulties with agency staff, lack of funding and appropriate facilities and a trend towards virtual rather than face-to-face meetings regardless whether it is appropriate.

Let's shift the focus away from safeguarding and child protection and onto support!