(UK) NI: Campaign asks govt for post-19 SPED services
- The end of childhood
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Nov 18, 2025, Derry Journal: Families take Caleb's Cause call for post-19 SEN provision to Stormont
Families from the north west were among those who took part as Caleb’s Cause NI hosted an event in Stormont shining a light on young people with complex special needs and their hopes and dreams for the future.
The Caleb’s Cause event on Monday night focused on one question: ‘What about us?’ and was held as part of a campaign to secure rights and opportunities for young people with complex special needs after they leave education. . . .
Caleb’s Cause NI was initiated by Alma White after she learned that there is currently no legislation providing legal protection for young people like her son Caleb who have Special Educational Needs and disabilities in Northern Ireland beyond the age of 19, in contrast to England and Wales.
This has meant that thousands of children and young adults with complex special needs who need additional support to enable them to partake in social, educational and many other aspects of life are at risk of, and in numerous cases are already experiencing, tailored statutory supports ending abruptly. For some it has meant they are confined to home as they enter adulthood. The parents of many young people from Derry have backed the call for legislation to be introduced.
A spokesperson said: “The campaign is asking for a care plan for all those leaving special school at 19. Complex needs are not catered for, and families want to see legislation updated to bring Northern Ireland in line with other jurisdictions. The relevant legislation, the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1978, is the most updated piece of legislation that their young people fit into. It has not been updated in 50 years." . . .
Thousands of people have now signed the #CalebsCauseNI petition and attended protests, rallies and meetings, which led to a series of constructive engagements with senior politicians, many of whom have publicly backed the campaign. Indeed representatives from all political parties have been supportive.
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