Children with Disabilities
This section is an additional part of your safeguarding training, and covers issues specifically related to children with disabilities.
10. Lack of Participation and Choice
10.1. Case Study
An eighteen year old young man was denied hospital treatment on the basis that
he was unable to understand the procedure, could not meaningfully consent and
there were concerns about how his behaviour would be managed following the
operation. The young man’s family with the support of an advocate challenged
the decision on behalf of the young man. A symbol and picture communication
book was produced by the advocate, detailing every stage of the operation. This
meant that that the young man could give meaningful consent and understand
what would happen immediately after the operation. A High Court finally ruled
that the operation should go ahead. (Source: The Children’s Society, as cited by Gov.uk, July 2009)
