Latest News for Parents & Carers

A Sky News investigation finds there is a severe shortage of homes suitable for those with a disability, leaving many across England in need of a safe place to live, and most councils don’t even know how many disabled people need social housing.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has made changes to the Child Benefit eligibility criteria for families with a disabled young person. The rules from 1 September 2025 allow much greater flexibility around the types of education provision and the number of hours of attendance accepted for a Child Benefit claim to continue beyond the age of 16.

Published in 1999, The Illustrated Mum tells the story of two sisters – Dolphin and Star – who struggle to cope with their unstable and heavily tattooed mother Marigold, whose bipolar disorder threatens to pull their family apart.

Ramandeep’s son Harry, who has Down’s syndrome and learning disabilities, can’t use public transport and relies on taxis to get to school. But when he turned 16, his council stopped providing transport support almost overnight.

Council for Disabled Children’s FLARE members regularly write blogs on issues and experiences that matter to them. The latest blog from FLARE member Louise Chandler who has written about speaking with decision-makers. Louise shares what she wishes she had known as a young person before speaking to decision-makers and what she would like decision-makers to know about engaging with children and young people.