Ms Nuala Ward:

I thank Ms Grogan for sharing those stories of parents coming to her organisation. When we published this report, there was a sense of disbelief that parents were in this situation of having to leave their children behind simply because there were not enough supports, even though there were loving, caring parents. The more we can share those experiences the better in order to try to effect change.

The example of the young adult in a mental health facility was really important. This is the profound adverse effect that happens to children when they do not get the services they need in the early stages. As this committee has a specific role in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. I beg its indulgence to read the text of Article 23 into the record, because it is critical. The article states:

States Parties shall ensure that children with disabilities have equal rights with respect to family life. With a view to realising these rights and to prevent concealment, abandonment, neglect and segregation of children with disabilities, States Parties shall undertake to provide early and comprehensive information, services and support to children with disabilities and their families.

One cannot help but wonder what would the life of that young person have been like if he and his family had received what they have a right to. This is a really important right to focus on for this committee.