Consultation on Transitions Bill closes soon

Still time to respond to Transitions Bill consultation

Johann Lamont MSP is currently consulting on her proposed Member’s Bill, the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions)(Scotland) Bill. The public consultation on the Bill will close soon, on 22^nd January (extended to 31st January).

Camphill Scotland, Camphill School Aberdeen, Ochil Tower School and Inclusion Scotland have supported the development of the Transitions Bill, and we are encouraging children and young people with a disability and their families, and organisations working on their behalf, to respond to the consultation before it closes in 2 weeks time.  We have created a Transitions Bill quick guide answer book to make it even easier to respond to the consultation.

The Bill

The Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions)(Scotland) Bill would give a right to a Transitions Plan to every child or young person with an impairment or long term health condition. Support with transitions would then remain in place until no longer needed, or the young person’s 26^th birthday.

The Bill would also require the Scottish Government to introduce a national transitions strategy to improve outcomes for children and young people with a disability in the transition to adulthood, and require the Scottish Government to appoint a Minister with special responsibility for transitions.

Neil Henery, Camphill Scotland’s Director said:

Around 70% of people with a learning disability who live in Camphill communities in Scotland come from ‘out of area’ and we know how hard many families have to fight to make this happen.

This is a rare chance to act at a national level to rebalance some of the power towards people with disability and their families and we would be very grateful if you would consider making a response on behalf of your community and/or as an individual.

4 Ways to support the Bill

This Bill will improve outcomes for children and young people in the transition to adulthood.  To support the Bill, we would be delighted if you would take the following actions by 22nd January (extended to 31st January):

1. Submit a response to the consultation, including examples of difficulties faced by children and young people and their families in the transition to adulthood.  See page 24 for details on how to submit your response, or use this Transitions Bill quick guide answer book.
2. Circulate details of the consultation through your networks, including social media
3. Contact your local MSP, and any MSPs with whom you work closely, and encourage them to support the Bill. You might like to adapt our template letter
4. After submitting your consultation response, please send Johann Lamont MSP a public statement in support of her Proposed Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions) (Scotland) Bill.

Further information

Read the consultation document and proposed Bill

To find out more, email Camphill Scotland’s Policy and Engagement Manager, Robert McGeachy, or call him on: 07825-149005.