ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a small group of children, from a predominantly middle class area of a cosmopolitan city in the UK, at a time of major change in social policy. It examines relevant research literature, social policy history, legislation, service provision and practice implications. Throughout the world there are children with cerebral palsy. Their quality of life and that of their parents and carers depends on cultural and religious attitudes, medical, educational and social resources, and on the legal framework which underpins national social policies. There can be no doubt that a gap exists between the eminently reasonable expectations of the Department of Health, and the parents’ experience of choosing community care packages. Many private and voluntary agencies were apparently traumatised by the changes required by the new purchaser/provider culture and seemed to be in danger of losing touch with user and carer opinions.
