WALES health minister Dr Brian Gibbons has joined independent social services inspectors in criticising Newport city council's services for disabled children.
A Social Services Inspectorate of Wales (SSIW) report commends the council's commitment to providing effective services for children and families but says disabled children deserve better.
Inspectors found that greater service choice and opportunities for disabled young people with complex needs is required and said there should be more involvement and participation of disabled children and their families in planning, designing and developing services.
Newport has taken seriously the recommendations of the report and is putting into place an action plan to implement them.
The authority is improving the number and quality of core assessments for disabled children and their families in order to match the needs of children to improved support services.
Health and social services minister Dr Brian Gibbons said: "Councils have important responsibilities for disabled children. Newport will need to work closely with other public services and voluntary organisations to improve services for disabled children."
Chief social services inspector Graham Williams said: "Disabled children deserve the same opportunities and chances that all parents wish for their children. I am sure Newport city council will continue to improve the quality of assessments and services offered to disabled children and their families and drive forward the developments contained in its action plan."
A council spokesman said: "When the report was considered at the council's overview and scrutiny forum for young people's services in December, there was fulsome praise for the dedication and professionalism of social services staff working with these children."
Ellis Williams, director of social services, said: "The inspectors have recognised that we are fortunate in having such a committed and dedicated workforce working across all the agencies.
"It was also pleasing to have our action plan validated by the inspectors.
"It is encouraging that service improvements made since their inspection have been recognised by SSIW."
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