Help fix a gap in how the UK supports people with additional needs

Right now, many children and young people with additional needs are supported well in school and children’s services — but when they reach adulthood, that support often drops, changes, or disappears.

This happens because education, the NHS, and social care all work separately, with different rules and thresholds.

The result?

• Repeated assessments

• Loss of support at age 18

• Crisis situations that could have been prevented

• Families left fighting the system

We’re proposing a solution: The Integrated Cognitive Support Framework (ICSCF)

A simple idea: Create a consistent way to understand someone’s support needs across all services, so support doesn’t suddenly change just because of age or system boundaries.

This framework would:

• Work alongside the Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Help schools, NHS services, and care providers respond more appropriately

• Improve transitions into adulthood

• Reduce unnecessary crisis interventions

• Support fairer, more consistent treatment

Real example: A young person with the understanding of a 4-year-old may currently be treated like a typical 15-year-old — including being punished or restrained inappropriately.

This framework helps ensure support is based on actual needs, not just age.

What we’re asking for:

• A government pilot of this framework

• Better joined-up support across services

• Continued support into adulthood where needed

Sign the petition to support this change

Statement of Purpose

We, the undersigned, call upon the UK Government and Parliament to introduce legislation establishing a standardised framework for assessing and supporting individuals with cognitive and mental functioning needs across education, health, and social care.

This proposed legislation, the Integrated Cognitive Support Framework Act 2026, would:

• Improve fairness and consistency in support provision

• Strengthen implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Support delivery under the Care Act 2014 and Children and Families Act 2014

• Introduce a structured, evidence-based system for identifying support needs

• Require mandatory annual reviews to ensure accuracy and fairness

We believe this framework will:

• Reduce inequality in access to support

• Improve safeguarding

• Provide clarity for families, carers, and professionals

Requested Action

We request that the UK Government:

• Review the proposed framework

• Launch a formal consultation

• Introduce the Act to Parliament

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CDKNZtpnt/