Almost 11,000 children on waiting lists for disability assessments

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Sorca Clarke has said it is a disgrace that nearly 11,000 children remain on Children Disability Network Team (CDNT) waiting lists at the end of May, and that over 7,000 of them have been waiting over a year for an initial CDNT contact.

She said these children are being failed by government, and that the CDNT model that is intended to provide family-centred care is now synonymous with delays and abandonment.

She added that the government cannot continue to under-resource services for these children while claiming to uphold equality and inclusion.

Deputy Clarke said: “It is an absolute disgrace that 11,000 children are currently on waiting lists for assessment and support from CDNTs.

“Over 7000 of these children have been waiting over a year for an initial CDNT contact.

“This is a systemic failure, and it will only continue to get worse if it is not addressed head on.

“The CDNT model that is intended to provide family centred care is now synonymous with delays and abandonment.

“It is a system in complete disarray.

“Children are routinely waiting years for assessments. Posts remain unfilled. Teams are stretched to breaking point. Families are being told there is no one available to see their child.

“How is a child supposed to reach their full potential without these crucial supports?

“Development in childhood happens fast and it does not wait for staffing issues to be solved.

“Without fully staffed teams, speech may not emerge, motor skills may regress, behavioural challenges may escalate, and families will become exhausted and isolated. It is not fair that the children and their families are the ones who are suffering just because government can’t get their act together.

“Government cannot continue to under-resource services for these children while claiming to uphold equality and inclusion.

“Children deserve timely assessment and intervention to give them the best chance at success. Early and ongoing assessment and intervention is key.

“Sinn Féin would develop a comprehensive workforce plan to fully staff CDNTs. We would streamline the recruitment process, double the number of undergraduate training places, and provide a job guarantee to health and social care graduates.

“It is essential that, under whichever model, services are properly staffed and that there are workforce plans in place to deliver safe services.”