Care and support

What is Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC)?

In May 2007 the Government published a report called “Aiming High for Disabled Children: Better support for families” based on their review of services for disabled children. The report highlighted that a lack of appropriate provision for short breaks was a key concern for parents/carers of disabled children.

The report set as a priority the need to improve the volume, range and quality of short break provision, with residential overnight breaks as one part of a more varied and flexible mix of short break services.

The report highlighted two specific groups of children to focus on:
- children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or challenging behaviour
- children with complex health needs.

From April 2011, new legislation will place local authority short break services as a statutory requirement. All local authorities and PCTs are expected to meet the standard as set out in the Full Service Offer (FSO) by this date. More information about short breaks and the FSO as well as other elements of AHDC is available through the links below.

To develop the services necessary, AHDC is consulting with parents/carers, service providers and other interested parties. The consultation period runs from 7 September to 27 November 2009. To find out more, click on the Consultation link below.