A MOTHER from Penarth is battling against having to send her autistic child miles away from home for care.

Angela Thomas, of Castle Avenue, says she may have to send her 18-year-old daughter to Carmarthenshire, because of a "lack of local facilities."

For over a year, Mrs Thomas went to different colleges to see which one would be the best for her daughter.

She expressed a desire to send daughter Romana to Ty Yfory day centre, run by the National Autistic Society, in Cardiff.

But, following eight months of assessments, she claims the council's social services department have refused to provide funding due to Romana failing to meet continuing healthcare criteria (CHC).

Now, she is facing the prospect of being away from her daughter for two years with Romana set to leave Ysgol y Deri next year.

Mrs Thomas is worried about what impact such time far away from home will have on her daughter's well being.

Mrs Thomas said: "It is heartbreaking. As well intentioned and professional as the staff at the college are, they do not know her triggers like I do.

"Living so close to a major city, there should be specialist provision in the area that we can access. Romana needs one to one care.

"I am calling on the council to readdress this case and reassess their policy on this. They should invest in more local provision."

She said that she has received support from other parents in a similar position and is now hoping to raise awareness of the situation.

A Vale council spokesman said: "Our care managers carry out a comprehensive assessment to identify each individual’s particular needs.

"We make recommendations that will best address their needs and support them to develop new skills and increase their level of independence.

"We are always mindful of other factors such as location and distance from support networks.

"We are continuing to work with Romana and her family to provide the appropriate care package."

A go fund me page has been set up to raise money for Romana at https://www.gofundme.com/7ypu28s4