To consider a report by the Care Cabinet Member on the above.
Minutes:
a)
A report was presented by the Cabinet Member for
Adults and Health in response to a series of questions asked by the Scrutiny
Committee stemming from the changes in the Learning Disabilities Service.
b) The
Cabinet Member reported that it was necessary to transform the above service in
order to ensure that innovative support is offered in Gwynedd. In
addition, it was necessary to introduce changes which will find savings, but
more importantly, improve the outcome for the individual. Communication and
promoting the changes and ensuring support and understanding of individuals and
their families, staff and providers both internally and externally were key and
led to effective cooperation to reach the aim and ensure better services for
the needs of individuals.
c)
During the ensuing discussion the following
points were noted by individual Members:
i.
That they should press for confirmation from the
Welsh Government regarding finance to extend the provision for autistic
persons.
ii.
The importance of informing parents /
individuals / service users when it was necessary to re-organise meetings.
iii.
Whilst supporting the vision to promote
individuals to be independent there was concern regarding the impact at
grassroots level and specifically supporting individuals with learning
disabilities who go into the world of work and as a result lose benefits.
iv.
It was asked what would Gwynedd Council do as a postholder (Autism Key Worker) had resigned, to ensure that
persons with learning disabilities received a worthy service.
v.
The report was welcomed, however, it was noted
that there were lessons to be learnt and reference was made to activities
previously offered to persons with learning disabilities specifically at Ysgol Botwnnog and the tree nursery at Glynllifon
that gave individuals a feeling of self-worth and were also beneficial.
vi.
Cuts to the learning disabilities service would
have a detrimental impact on individuals.
vii.
Every Member should be encouraged to receive
training on autism and how to deal with individuals.
viii.
There was no reference to parents / families in
the report and it was felt that they were being disregarded.
ix.
A request for representatives with learning
disabilities / mental health / autism to meet the Scrutiny Committee in order
to hear their views and to come to understand and raise the Committee’s
awareness of their needs.
x.
Concern as a result of the changes between
Gwynedd / Anglesey that individuals might lose out on services.
(d) The
Cabinet Member for Adults and Health and the officers responded to the
observations made by individual Members as follows:
a) It
was explained that the ‘Key Ring’ model was national and gave arm’s length
volunteer support to persons with learning disabilities and they were available
if any emergency arose. The scheme was not in operation in
Gwynedd, however, it was further noted that it was necessary to be more
innovative in the schemes available but it had to be borne in mind that each
one was not suitable for Gwynedd due to the County’s geographical nature.
b) It
was explained that in terms of further finance to fund the post of Support and
Community Monitoring, it was recognised that the situation was difficult and
that a message had been sent to the Welsh Government for early information
regarding this.
c) Further
to the above, it was noted that £40,000 would be transferred to Gwynedd and it
was hoped to use part of this funding for a post, up to 31 March, with the remainder
directed to the children's service to train staff on how to deal with children
on the autistic spectrum. It was added that it would be possible
to express a view regarding the financial situation as part of the Cuts
Workshops that were currently proceeding.
d) It
was recognised that it was necessary to build upon strengths as well as to
respect the views of individuals when developing the new models over the next
three years.
e) In
terms of assessing the needs of individuals who are children and once they had
grown to be adults, an assurance was given that there was a very good
relationship with the Adults Service and there were systems and guidance in
place that were regularly reviewed. It was the responsibility of the
Children’s Team to refer children when they are 14 years old to the Forums in
order that the Adults Service can forward plan for them. It
was confirmed that it was difficult to deal with cases with very complex needs
and further consideration was required as finance was directed from different
sources.
f) That
the Advocacy Service assisted vulnerable people to choose home insurance and
similar matters.
g) 243
adults with learning disabilities had used the advocacy service over the last
financial year and groups met regularly across the county.
h) The
Out of Hours /Weekend Team was available for twenty four hours if individuals
were in Police custody.
i) That
following consultation with the Service there would be a discussion at the next
preparatory meeting of the Scrutiny Committee on the best way to engage and
meet service users.
j) Regarding
staff morale, that uncertainty and concern about the future dealt more with the
financial situation generally rather than the changes afoot in the service. The
Head of Service noted that although he had been in post for only a brief
period, the enthusiasm and understanding of the staff for change had heartened
him.
k) It
was recognised that formal monitoring arrangements were not in place and
attention needed to be given to this and an assurance was given that any
situations would be identified if there were concerns via the networks of the
Management Teams within individual services.
Resolved: (a) To accept and note the
contents of the report.
(b) To request that the
Service provides a draft plan on
engagement arrangements with users to hear their views for discussion
at this Scrutiny Committee's preparatory meeting.
Supporting documents: