Profile: the voluntary council for handicapped children

Area of Science:

• Childhood Disability Studies
• Social Work and Policy
• Healthcare Coordination

Background:

• Established in 1975, the Voluntary Council for Handicapped Children emerged from the 1970 "Living with Handicap" report.
• The report highlighted significant gaps, overlaps, and lack of coordination in services for children with disabilities.
• A multidisciplinary council was recommended to facilitate joint discussion and action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a forum for joint discussion and action regarding services for handicapped children.
• To offer a comprehensive advisory and information service for all aspects of childhood disability.
• To act as a unique resource for all categories of handicap, serving both statutory and voluntary agencies.

Main Methods:

• The Council functions as an advisory body, collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information.
• It promotes study and discussion among organizations and individuals.
• The Council actively seeks to identify gaps in existing services for children with disabilities.

Main Results:

• The Council provides a unique, comprehensive service covering all categories of handicap.
• It serves as a resource center for parents and professionals, guiding them to existing services.
• The Council acts as a signpost, directing users to appropriate resources without providing direct casework.

Conclusions:

• The Voluntary Council for Handicapped Children plays a crucial role in coordinating and improving services for children with disabilities.
• Its function as an information hub and advisory body is essential for addressing service gaps.
• The Council's multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration among agencies and professionals to better support children and families.