This paper discusses Great Britain's Children Act 1989, specifically as it relates to special needs children. It compares assessment under the 1989 Children's Act and the 1981 Education Act, outlines provisions for children in independent residential schools, examines procedures for child protection, and notes the child's right to withhold consent…

Despite increasing policy commitment by government to the inclusion of children with special educational needs in mainstream services, significant numbers of disabled children continue to be placed in residential schools. This article reports on the policies and practice of education and social service authorities in England, patterns of…