Growth and development.pdf

8. The FutureThe reorganisation of the home care service is a major task calling for a strong managementlead and resources to ensure that it delivers better local services (and value).In order to build on the considerable changes it has made to implement community careacross its extensive area, the Council needs to address as succeeding priorities:• improvement of access to treatment for learning disabilities;• redistribution of resources to support mental health services, to consolidate the advancesalready made in community-based services;• greater involvement of users and voluntary organisations, to boost further the standards ofcommunity-based mental health services;• improvement of the supply and training of qualified mental health workers; and• higher quality of sensory impairment services through increased joint working of social work,education and health staff, closer involvement of voluntary organisations, clear identificationof priorities for service development and wider adoption of imaginative patterns of servicedelivery in particular localities.The local working group should complete its work on plans to implement the recommendationsfrom Learning with Care on the education of looked after children, and the Council shouldcomplete its audit of the educational environments of those children, as a basis for devisingand implementing progressive improvements.The practical difficulties of providing aftercare for young people are compounded by theirtendency to move out of the area for work and educational opportunities; in order to develop aservice which is responsive to the often complicated needs of those young people, the Councilneed to consider importing or commissioning expertise to help identify needs and shapeeffective services.To take forward its commitments to race equality and to providing a responsive service toethnic minorities, the Council might benefit from commissioning expert support from otherauthorities or organisations.40