Annual Report 2005 - National Federation of Voluntary Bodies

SECTION 2
POLICY WORK & CAMPAIGNING
As a National Federation representing a wide alliance of voluntary organisations, we have a unique
perspective on the development of policy and practice affecting children and adults with intellectual
disability. Working closely with our various Sub Committees, we develop policy positions on a range of
topics relevant to our sector. In addition, we represent our National Federation’s views on all aspects of
policy germane to our sector by inputting and responding to new policy initiatives developed by
Government and Statutory Authorities and also by representing our sector on various specialist groups.
We also contribute to the development of policy at the European level through our membership of the
European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD).
2.1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & CHILDREN STRATEGIC
REVIEW OF DISABILITY SERVICES
As part of its strategic review of Disability Services, the Department of Health & Children established a
number of Specialist Study Groups to look at particular topics, identify relevant issues and make
recommendations on future policy in relation to the specific topic. The National Federation Secretariat
was represented on three of the Working Groups as follows:
(a) Protecting Vulnerable Adults – Ms. Maria Walls, Director of Research & Membership Services;
(b) Assessment, Early Intervention & Pre-School Services – Ms. Alison Harnett, Informing Families
Project Co-ordinator;
(c) Access to General Health Services by People with Disabilities – Ms. Janet Swinburne, Policy
Development Co-ordinator.
Key Achievements in 2005:
• Maria Walls, Director of Research & Membership Services, was nominated Chairperson of the
Protecting Vulnerable Adults Working Group and played a key role in the Strategic Review Chairs Groups
(Mr. Tom Hughes, Western Care Association, replaced Maria while on maternity leave).
• Inclusion of the findings and initial recommendations from the “Informing Families” Project by Alison
Harnett in the first report of the Assessment, Early Intervention and Pre-School Services Working
Group.
• Substantial contribution by Janet Swinburne to the report on “Access to General Health Services by
People with Disabilities” which was published in February 2005.
2.2 LONG STAY RESIDENTIAL CHARGES REGULATIONS
In January 2005, the HSE convened a small group of relevant stakeholders representative of the disability
and mental health sectors to consider the issue of long stay charges in residential services. The National
Federation of Voluntary Bodies was represented on this group by Mr. John O’Dea, Executive Director,
Western Care Association and Mr. Brian O’Donnell, Chief Executive, National Federation of Voluntary
Bodies. The Terms of Reference were to advise the HSE and Government on the following:
i. Issues affecting long stay charges in mental health and disabilities services;
ii. Implications for clients and service providers;
iii. Prepare a discussion paper.
In July 2005, a National Expert Group was established by the HSE to consider the work of the above
group and other emerging issues arising from the regulations. Mr. Tom Hogan, Chief Executive Officer,
Galway Association, was appointed as Chairperson of this group.
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Section 2