Cabinet Member: Cllr. Gareth Roberts
To receive
a report on the above.
(Copy
enclosed)
Minutes:
A report was submitted outlining the vision for learning
disabilities services in Gwynedd, a review of the arrangements in order to realise the vision along with
information about the main findings of the review and an action plan.
During the ensuing discussion, the following responses were given to the observations of the Members:
·
In response to a request regarding the work of developing strategic contacts in collaboration between health and social services,
the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department explained that the work on a regional
level was progressing and reported to the Scrutiny Services Committee as part of the process before it was submitted to the Government.
·
In response to concern highlighted by Cllr Linda Ann Wyn Jones regarding the reduction in the number of social workers, the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department promised he would
try to seek information for the Member of the structure, including the number of social workers that existed
four years ago. It was further
noted by looking at previous structures and the existing ones that
it needed to be borne in mind
how the service had progressed and had to cope with changes
in legislation, technology etc.
·
It was noted that attending Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) training had been an eye
opener and it was noted that
there was grave concern about the lack of assessors. Around 200 cases were on the waiting
list and there was concern that this could
cost around £1,000 a week for the Council.
·
In response to the above, the Head of the Adults, Health and Well-being Department explained that the Council had taken steps to give one-off
funding to deal with the cases on the waiting list, but in
all likelihood an application would have to be submitted for continuous funding to deal with the waiting list. It was confirmed
that a co-ordinator had been appointed along with arrangements
put in place
to train social workers to be competent to deal with the cases.
Currently, it was believed that at least 13 officers were trained to Carry out assessments and it was aimed
to try to train 20 over a period of time. The matter was receiving further attention and a discussion was being held with
the relevant Cabinet Member
in terms of trying to put a structure in place
to deal with the broader Safety and Quality Assurance
matters. While acknowledging that there were risks
associated with this work, care
was needed not to over-react
without knowing what the full picture
was, and the nature of the comparison with other authorities.
·
In response to a Member’s concern about having assurance
that there was sufficient funding for assessments, the Learning Disabilities Area Manager noted
that, even though there were
more individuals receiving assessments and more pressure on workers,
the assessment method had changed in accordance
with the Health and Well-being Act and by now,
there was more emphasis on preventative work and outcomes
and now provided
Services were provided in a more creative method. The importance of the third sector’s role and the need
for the service to ensure continuity to meet needs and
develop individual opportunities such as through the OPUS programme, etc. was noted.
·
In relation to establishing a Safeguarding Unit for adult services,
it was confirmed that a new post had been advertised and a financial bid would be submitted to strengthen the Team in order to be able to improve the service's ability to respond effectively and to meet some
of the expectations of the Inspectorate.
An undertaking was given that the update on Team
structures within the Department would be circulated to Members.
·
In terms of supervision for staff, it was explained that an arrangement
was implemented where the team's staff would receive supervision from Senior Practitioners, they received supervision
from the County Manager and she
was supervised by the
Senior Manager. This arrangement was put in place in
order to ensure professional development
etc.
Resolved: To accept, note
and thank the officer for the report and look
forward to an update in this
Scrutiny Committee in March 2017.
Supporting documents: