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Learning disabilities latest news
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Last modified date:21 August 2008
This section includes a selection of recent news items relating to learning disability.
Valuing People Now: Transfer of the responsibility for the commissioning of social care for adults with a learning disability from the NHS to local government and transfer of the appropriate funding
21 August 2008
This letter and annex set out the existing policy and legal framework for the transfer of learning disability social care funding and commissioning from the NHS to local authorities with effect from 1 April 2009. The annex provides guidance on what is covered, what PCTs and LAs need to do and the timescale for the transfer. The proposed transfer was set out in Valuing People Now.
Cm 7378: Government response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights: A life like any other? human rights of adults with learning disabilities
7 May 2008
The Joint Committee on Human Rights (the Committee) published its report 'A life like any other? human rights of adults with learning disabilities', on 6 March 2008. This memorandum sets out the Government response to the conclusions and recommendations in that report.
Change in definition of NHS campus - From 1 March 2008
12 March 2008 (Gateway reference 9549 )
Ivan Lewis has agreed a change to the definition of 'NHS campus' to include those in assessment and treatment units, who are not compulsorily detained or undergoing a recognised evidence based treatment programme, who have been in the unit upward of 12 months. This is a reduction in time from 18 months. This change has been made in response to discussions with professional bodies, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists, who are keen to tighten the definition and support the Department in driving up standards. The change is a positive one and will help to ensure that, once all campuses have been closed, people will receive more proactive support in assessment and treatment units, and will be less likely to get 'stuck'. The current and proposed definitions are attached.
2007 CSR revenue allocation – Learning disability campus closure programme – Campus numbers at 1 April 2001
12 March 2008
Letter about arrangements for the 2007 CSR allocations that included revenue, ring fenced for three years, to provide help with the additional revenue costs that may be incurred when people move from campus accommodation to housing in the community.
Services for people with learning disability and challenging behaviour or mental health needs
6 November 2007
Good practice guidance on effectively meeting the needs of people with challenging behaviour.
Commissioning specialist adult learning disability health services - Good practice guidance
31 October 2007
Good Practice Guidance to assist in responding to shortcomings identified in these services in recent Healthcare Commission reports including those into abuse in Cornwall and Merton and Sutton.
Learning Disability Task Force annual report 2006-07
10 September 2007
Fourth annual report of the Learning Disability Task Force to the Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis.
Bidding for capital finding for the Campus Reprovision Programme 2007-08
9 August 2007
A letter has now been sent to PCT commissioners informing them of the bidding process to apply for this year’s capital funding for reproviding campus learning disability services in the community.
Independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities
6 August 2007
The independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities, has invited contributions from professionals, people with learning disabilities, their carers, families and all others with an interest in ensuring adults and children with learning disabilities receive appropriate treatment in the NHS.
Capital funding for the campus closure programme
2 August 2007
The Department of Health is now allocating £175 million to help meet the Government's objective to move people with learning disabilities from NHS campuses to more appropriate accommodation in the community.
New cross-Government strategy for supporting learners with a learning disability and/or physical disabilities
18 June 2007
Joint strategy on the role of further education and training in supporting people with a learning disability and/or physical disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives.
Additional links
Learning disability service framework
A comprehensive and enhanced service specification for PCT and practice based commissioners in 2007 to 2008.
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