A survey was carried out in Cambridgeshire to understand the experiences of parents of special-needs children/adults in the area. The intent of this is to raise awareness of these experiences and create positive change in Children’s and Adults’ services.

Our experience and the data collected from 106 parents highlights a deeply flawed and exhausting process, particularly within the education and social care systems. Key themes emerged showing widespread issues with transparency, poor communication, support, misuse of child protection/safeguarding, and use of coercive control. The mental and emotional toll on parents is significant, with many experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, and burnout. The system’s ineffectiveness, coupled with fears of retaliation potentially affecting parents and children, leaves parents feeling powerless and victimised.

The complaints system appears completely flawed, used as a defensive tool to protect authorities rather than aiding parents and being an instrument for systematic improvement.

There is a clear need for systemic reform prioritizing transparency, adequate funding, co-production, and accessible support services. To truly support families and children with learning disabilities, the system must shift from a bureaucratic focus to one that genuinely prioritises the well-being and needs of those it serves.

It is understood that there are financial pressures on the LA and ICB, however it is not understood how this justifies spending money from the public purse in hiring social care staff and expensive legal representation to vilify parents and avoid providing the care needed by the most vulnerable in society.