The report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing (Document “Q”) informs Members of:

·         The position in relation to the integrated transitions service for 16-25 year-old disabled young people and their families in Bradford, including the policy context for such changes;

·         Improvements to strengthen pathways for young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health in order to better align services and resources; and

·         performance against the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) over the past year.

Recommended –

It is recommended that Members note the contents of the report and continued progress to improve the extent to which transitioning planning is aligned to the 4 preparation for adulthood outcomes which young people and their families advocate for.

(Elaine James – 01274 432900)

The report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing (Document “Q”) informs Members of:

·         The position in relation to the integrated transitions service for 16-25 year-old disabled young people and their families in Bradford, including the policy context for such changes;

·         Improvements to strengthen pathways for young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health in order to better align services and resources; and

·         Performance against the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) over the past year.

The Service Manager was in attendance and at the invitation of the Chair she introduced the report to the committee. She explained that the work of the service continued to improve pathways which were designed to provide young people with the most complex disabilities and their families across the Bradford District with improved information and support into adulthood and independence. This work proceeded in partnership with young people with the most complex disabilities and their families to improve the education, health and social care offer and aligned support to meet Care Act eligible needs to key outcomes which prepared for adulthood and maximised independence at point of transition.

She further explained that as set out in the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and within the Care and Support Statutory Guidance to the Care Act (2015), preparing for adulthood meant formulating for higher education and/or employment, this included exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and helped from supported employment agencies. Independent living meant that young people had choice, control and freedom over their lives and the support they had, their accommodation and living arrangements, which included supported living. Participation in society, included having friends and supportive relationships, and participating in, and contributing to, the local community and participation in democratic life. This included a healthy lifestyle as possible in adult life.

Following introduction, a video presentation of a select number of young participants involved in the transitional programme was presented to the committee. The young people voiced their individual experiences, transformation and achievements, that involved planning for a personalised curriculum, being assisted in applying the principles of the Mental Capacity Act appropriately to enable young people to have a say in their planning and decision making and being supported as a young person to be as independent as possible. 

Whilst the committee acknowledged the great effort of work of the service to better the lives of young people, the committee stated that in theory the end purpose seemed good in theory as outlined in the report but in terms of practice, the committee expressed its reservations as to whether this transitional work in equipping young people with learning disabilities would be a success. Further clarity was sought for the reason that so many similar work streams had been undertaken over the years, yet many young people with disabilities ended up with no employment or a lack of employment prospects.

In response, it was explained that there had been a positive impact of significant in efficiency of services and quality of life outcomes for people with disabilities the services support.

A Bill of Rights (BOR) had set out how young people and adults wished to be supported by social workers to meet their ambitions and aspirations for their lives. Work was now under way to review how well recruitment processes for social workers aligned to the expectations as set out by people with disabilities in the BOR. As of September 2021, the launch of the Employment Scheme, which provided support to internships for up to 10 young people with complex disabilities each year through a partnership between Education, Adult Social Care and the School of Rock and Media. From the first cohort, 60% of participants had already secured paid employment as their internship came to an end.

This programme was structured towards success for the people the service supported as it assisted through a strong integrated services approach. This pathway was a mechanism in meeting challenges that were not possible previously in order to build better opportunities that would assist young people in their future lives.

Resolved:-

(1)       That the Committee strongly encourages the Council to support the Into Employment Scheme

(2)       That the importance of the Integrated Transitions Service be recognised during the forthcoming changes to Children’s Services

(3)       That an update on the work of the service be presented in 18-24 months

Action: Strategic Director (Health and Wellbeing)