Courts / Ireland / Report
Families of special needs children launch High Court action over assessments
Summary
Three families of young children with special needs have brought a High Court action against the Health Service Executive (HSE) for failing to carry out required assessments of their children's needs. The families, represented by solicitor Gareth Noble, claim that none of the components of the assessment process—initial assessment, multidisciplinary team evaluation, diagnosis, and statement of services—has been started for any of the three children. One child has reportedly waited since January 2016 for an assessment. Under the 2005 Disability Act, an initial assessment must be completed within three months of application and a full assessment within an additional three months. The families fear that proceeding through the complaints process could delay assessment by up to 18 months. They seek an order compelling the HSE to complete the assessments within 30 days and declarations that the HSE has breached its statutory duties.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Families of special needs children launch High Court action over assessments. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2017-05-08 Publication
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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