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POOLE’S SOCIAL SERVICES PRAISED FOR WORK WITH YOUNGER DISABLED PEOPLE

Poole’s work with younger people with disabilities has been praised in a positive report by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI).

As part of a national inspection, the SSI examined the way Poole promoted and supported independent living arrangements for people aged 18-65 with a physical or learning disability.

In their overall assessment, Poole’s inspection report states: "Since the creation of the Poole Unitary Authority there had been significant developments in Social Services provision .... Social Services policies and practices have supported people with complex needs to live independently..... Poole’s corporacy was a strength. There was much enthusiasm across the Council’s business units for joint working that enabled people with disabilities to live more independent lives".

Inspectors met with individual service users, representatives of voluntary agencies, Council Officers and Councillors and Health Service staff to examine services including the direct payments scheme which enables disabled people to employ their own carers and arrange care to suit their needs and lifestyles.

Areas of praise included:
· the active involvement of service users and carers in policy and service development
· improvements in the ratio of qualified to unqualified staff and development of positive training opportunities
· service users were generally positive about the service they received and gave strong endorsements about the frontline staff who worked with them
· examples of joint working across the Council and with other agencies to provide services which supported independent living

In addition the report advised that the Council were dealing with any problems identified in services and offered recommendations for further improvement including:
· support for an independent local Disability Rights organisation
· extension of the direct payments scheme
· greater use of the Government’s independent living fund which provides additional cash to help people with severe disabilities to live at home
· development of an information strategy to inform people of the services available
· giving more feedback to users involved in consultation processes

Cllr Mrs Jane James, Chairman of the Social Services Committee, said: "We are working hard to provide services which give people with disabilities choices and control over their lives. By giving the right kind of support we can help to ensure disabled people enjoy the same independence that most people take for granted. The positive comments from the Social Service Inspectorate will help us to continue tailoring our services to meet the needs and expectations of local people".

-ends-

Fred Davies, Policy Director, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 633203