The Government has launched a new toolkit aimed at helping families access funds belonging to disabled young people.
The Ministry of Justice said the toolkit will help parents and carers better understand their rights and what they need to do under the Mental Capacity Act to manage the finances of their child.
The toolkit comes in response to a Government consultation published in February, which found many parents were unaware of the legal steps they have to take to be able to make financial decisions on behalf of their child as they transition into adulthood.
Funds saved in bank accounts, such as Child Trust Funds and Junior ISAs, can help families provide care for their child. To access these funds, parents need to apply to the Court of Protection or have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.
The new guide is designed to provide the information they need in an easily accessible format so they can access funds quicker.
Justice minister Mike Freer said: ‘Parents who care for their disabled children face huge challenges every day and we understand the frustration they’ve often experienced when trying to access their savings.
‘Raising awareness of the Mental Capacity Act is a vital part of supporting families, so they better understand the important and necessary steps they need to take when their loved one loses capacity – easing their child’s transition into adulthood while protecting their finances from fraud.’
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