Summary of Context
On becoming a Unitary Authority, Hull found some resources, such as
special schools for disabled children, to be on its boundaries or
in the adjacent East Riding. Services for disabled children were also
partially provided through a tripartite arrangement with Hull and
East Riding Community Trust and Barnardos. This has made long-term
and transitional planning difficult. It also inherited some large
day centres and some community expectation that disabled young people
will continue to receive substantial support into adulthood. The Authority
is tackling this in a number of ways. As well as modernising day services
and promoting independence, a new transitions team has been commissioned.
Good Practice
The new team comes with a remit to develop a range of housing, respite
and community alternatives for disabled young people, particularly
for those with the most challenging or profound disabilities. It is
anticipated that young people will move into supported living arrangements
and/or have access to respite in small, well staffed units in the
community, which can become their home if and when the need arises.
They would access both mainstream and specialist services according
to needs and interests.
Prospective Benefits
Reduced demand for expensive residential provision.
Reduced demand for residential respite.
Maintaining disabled people in local communities.
Reduced demand for in-house buildings based
day care.
Increased independence for service users.
Contact:
Ken Pugh, Professional Practice Officer
or Sue Atkins, Principal Child Care Manager