DISABLED children are more vulnerable to abuse because they are specifically excluded from childcare legislation, according to the Disability Federation of Ireland.
The federation called yesterday for the Child Care Act 1991 to be amended to give the same protection and rights to disabled children as are enjoyed by able bodied children.
It also criticised the fact that under the Act, residential centres for physically and mentally handicapped children are exempted from having to register with the health boards.
A new code of practice launched by the federation yesterday also outlines procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse of disabled children, and calls for recognition of their rights.
"Disabled children are children first - their disability is secondary. We are hoping the code of practice will be adopted not just by voluntary organisations but also by State agencies," said Mr Roger Acton, DFI chief executive.
The code of practice advises childcare workers to develop clear procedures for responding immediately where children are at risk of harm. Lines of communication should be agreed with the local health board in advance, and staff should be familiar with the Department of Health's guidelines.
The code was drawn up in response to concern among some of the DFI's 59 constituent organisations about the tack of legislative protection in the area.
