This report discusses a review of the issues at the interface of disability support and care and protection. In the Baseline Review of the Department of Child, Youth and Family (CYF), undertaken in 2003, it was found that service access and inter-agency collaboration were issues in the provision of services for children with disabilities and their families. CYF and the Ministry of Health were directed to work together to develop solutions. Funding was obtained to undertake a first principles review and analysis of the legislative and policy frameworks for children with disabilities and a review of the operational interface between CYF and the Disability Services Directorate (DSD) of the Ministry of Health, based on the Memorandum of Understanding co-signed in 1999. This report outlines the work that has been done and the proposals that have been developed. Components of the review include: a review of departmental papers; a data gathering exercise; focus groups and key informant interviews; and a literature review. The report focuses on children and young people with disabilities under the age of 17 who are involved with both CYF and DSD. Although the population of children and young people with disabilities who are involved with CYF is relatively small, this group are particularly vulnerable to abuse. The disability may also place a strain on family functioning. Recommendations are made and discussed in terms of the following: establishing a shared understanding between agencies; strengthening the 'disability provisions' in the CYPF Act (1989); clarifying agency funding responsibilities; improving access to required disability support services; and replacing the current Memorandum of Understanding.

nz