The Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing will submit Document “Q” which informs Members of the progress of the project plan to develop an integrated service for 14-25 year old disabled young people and their families in Bradford.

Recommended –

That the Committee notes the progress made and the continuing plans for the development of an integrated transition service for young people.

(Sally Townend – 01274 439700)

The Service Manager (Disabilities) presented Document “Q” which provided an update on the progress made since October 2016.  He explained that, amongst other issues, the Council’s ‘Home First – Our Vision for Wellbeing’ had been published in January 2017; personal budgets were well established; decision making and Panels was a slow process but was improving; Continuing Health Care represented a challenge but work was ongoing; there was a focus on the conversion from Special Needs Statements to Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP); and Integration was a large complex area.

Members then made the following comments:

·         The progress was welcomed and the work undertaken was impressive.

·         Councillors had received a lot of case work regarding transitions.

·         The transition process was very difficult.  Wrap around care was available for children but it all changed once they became an adult.

·         If people felt better, they would have less call on services.

·         What percentage didn’t have an EHCP?

·         Would it be expected that everyone should have an EHCP in the future?

·         Was it presumed that there would not be many people that wouldn’t have a Plan in the future?

·         The transition work should have been undertaken. 

·         What were the critical factors regarding apprenticeships?

In response Members were informed that:

·         The Council was paying too high a contribution towards Continuing Care.  If it was a medical issue then the NHS should pay and if social either the Council or the person should pay. Staff who undertook assessments had been re-trained and there was more rigour in the system now.  The transition process needed to be understood by all the family involved.

·         It was acknowledged that a person would require support through their entire life and future proofing was required.  Extra care provision could be used for adults with Learning Disabilities and there were different services and opportunities that people were not using.

·         EHCPs were linked to education and when a person’s education finished, so did the Plan.  The Council had improved its conversion to EHCPs, however, it was still a mixed picture and a person’s Plan should not stop on the cessation of their education.

·         Yes, it was expected that everyone would have an EHCP in the future.  The lead responsibility for EHCPs was education and people were only entitled to one for up to 25 years.  Work was being undertaken with younger people that all those with Statements would transfer to an EHCP.

·         The criteria for EHCPs had changed.

·         Entry levels were being looked at with the Human Resources Department and seven people were starting a scheme, the youngest of which was 17 years old.  There had been a general reluctance to undertake apprenticeships and the matter was only just beginning to progress, however, the Council was keen to provide opportunities.  A more interesting range of opportunities was now available.  There was also a great deal of work to be done with other employers in relation to accepting someone with Learning Disabilities. 

Resolved –

That a further report be submitted in 12 months time, if necessary.

ACTION: Service Manager - Transitions