Complaint

The complaint was submitted to the Office by the parents on behalf of their 17 year old son. He was diagnosed with a learning disability and autism, and was attending a Special National School. He was due to leave the school when he turned 18 and transition to an Adult Day Service run by the HSE. However there was no placement available for him in an Adult Service. Although his school had informed the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that they were able to cater for him, as well as the new pupils who were enrolled within their current resources, the DES refused to allow him to stay in school for an extra year.

Examination

The Office intervened to ascertain why DES were refusing to allow him to stay in the school for an extra year, as there was no place for him in Adult Services and the school was willing and able to enrol him.

The DES responded, advising that they had reviewed the situation and had taken into account (1) the effort made by the school to facilitate a transition to adult services, (2) the difficulties they experienced and (3) the availability of a placement in adult services.

Outcome

In this case they permitted the complainant to stay in his school until a placement was sourced for him in an adult facility. The DES also pledged that it would take the same factors into consideration when considering future applications from schools in similar circumstances to retain pupils who are over 18 and do not have a place in adult services to transfer to.

Posted in: Investigations Education