A Transition Guide for All Services - Transition Information Network

Care homesRegistered care homes usually provide 24 hour support for people and areregulated by an inspection process.Current developmentsA cross-Government review of policy on Independent Living for disabledpeople is currently taking place. The review is expected to report inautumn 2007 and make recommendations on a number of areasincluding housing. Further details on the review from www.dwp.gov.uk.Effective practiceChapter 3: Participation and further supportHousingSupporting People money has led to some effective practice forpeople with learning disabilities around the country. In Gateshead,services are supporting people to improve their quality of life andtheir life chances. Mr Y is a young man with learning disabilitieswho lived at home with his father. Unfortunately, his father becameill and had to go into long-term care. Mr Y moved into a flat withtwo other young people. Housing-related support has helped himdevelop the life skills and confidence he needs to look after himselfand maintain his own home. He is now waiting to move into a flatof his own. He is doing a cookery course at college and has a workplacement at a local church serving lunch twice a week.For further examples and effective practice seewww.transtioninfonetwork.org.uk.Quality standardsFurther information on effective practice in planning housing andsupporting disabled young people to live independently can be found in theresources below and on www.transitioninfonetwork.org.uk.Key legislation, guidance and resourcesLocal Government and Housing Act 1986. Local authority housingdepartments are legally obliged to work with social services in drawingup community care plans and promoting community care through jointpolicies. In practice, this should mean they address the needs of youngdisabled people through special needs housing, mainstream housingand through home adaptations and advice.Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Requires non-discriminatorypractice and to make adjustments so that disabled people can accessservices.66