Six councils are taking part in a named social worker pilot scheme designed to cut lengthy hospital stays for people with learning disabilities.
Under the scheme the social worker acts as a single point of contact. This includes providing advice and working with family and carers.
Jackie Doyle-Price, junior minister for care, says the named social worker pilot is a fantastic scheme that will support independent living
The scheme aims to encourage independent community living instead of hospital placements.
It started in October 2016 and its first stage was trialled until March this year.
The second stage began this month (October 2017). It continues until March 2018.
Three councils dropped out
Three of the six councils originally involved dropped out, saying they did not wish to continue with the second stage. They were Nottingham, Calderdale and Camden.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, Sheffield and Hertfordshire chose to continue.
Halton, Bradford and Shropshire will be joining them as three newcomers to the scheme.
Social worker scheme ‘fantastic’
Jackie Doyle-Price, junior minister for care and mental health, said £400,000 of new funding would be divided between the authorities taking part.
She added: “This is a fantastic scheme meaning people in these areas will receive personalised community care and support to live independently.”
Problem with assessment and treatment units
People with autism can often end up in hospitals known as assessment and treatment units (ATUs).
ATUs are supposed to be short-term placements. Their purpose was to administer treatment before people move back into the community.
However, people can live in the controversial units for years.
Joe Godden is a professional officer with the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).
BASW supports the named social worker pilot. But Godden fears focusing on just those with high needs could detract from providing “good quality multidisciplinary services for people with learning disabilities or autism” who don’t need a named social worker.
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Published: 20 October 2017
