MSPs to consider transparent transition process

It is well known by too many parents and carers that the transition from childrens’ to adult services for people with a learning disability does not always go well.  Kate Monahan, a parent whose son Wilf attends Camphill School Aberdeen, said:

We feel strongly that the legal right to a transition plan and a transparent transition process which compels the local authority to be collaborative, clear and accountable throughout all their processes and to meet needs as assessed, would help eradicate the undesirable, opaque, crisis-led decision-making, as experienced by so many families.

Transitions Bill proposal

A public consultation on the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions) (Scotland) Bill, by Johann Lamont MSP, received overwhelming support, particularly from parents and carers, such as Kate Monahan.

Bill Scott, Senior Policy Adviser at Inclusion Scotland, added:

The measures outlined in this Bill are needed now more than ever in order to avoid the long term scarring of young disabled people’s lives.

Young disabled people are not asking for much. Just a little help in taking their first steps in adult life.

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.
• Ensure support with transitions remains in place until no longer needed, or the young person’s 26th birthday.
• 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.
• Require the Scottish Government to appoint a Minister with special responsibility for transitions.

Will you ask your MSP to register their support for this important Transitions Bill?

The Bill is currently supported by 32 cross party MSPs (see list below).  We would be delighted if 50 MSPs would register their support for the Bill before 2.30pm on 17 July.

Please contact your local MSP and encourage them to register their support for the Bill with the Scottish Parliament’s Chamber Office before 2.30pm on Friday 17 July. You might like to adapt our  template letter.

Further information

The Bill was developed with support from Camphill Scotland and our members, and from Inclusion Scotland.

Read the public consultation proposal

Read the consultation summary 

Contact Robert McGeachy, Policy & Engagement Manager for more information

At 14/7/2020 the following MSPs have registered their support for the Bill:

Alex Rowley

Alexander Burnett

Alison Johnstone

Anas Sarwar

Andy Wightman

Beatrice Wishart

Claire Baker

Colin Smyth

Daniel Johnson

Elaine Smith

Finlay Carson

Iain Gray

Jackie Baillie

James Kelly

Jenny Marra

Jeremy Balfour

John Finnie

Lewis Macdonald

Liz Smith

Margaret Mitchell

Mark Griffin

Mark McDonald

Mark Ruskell

Mary Fee

Maurice Golden

Monica Lennon

Neil Bibby

Neil Findlay

Pauline McNeill

Rhoda Grant

Sarah Boyack

Willie Rennie

Thank you very much for your support.