This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Borders systems strengthened for vulnerable adults
11/10/2005
Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders and their partners are now in a better position to prevent the abuse of vulnerable adults with learning disabilities, according to inspectors.
The Social Work Inspection Agency and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland led a follow-up inspection, looking at how the council and health service were responding to recommendations made in May 2004 following their investigation of the abuse of a number of adults with learning disabilities.
Inspectors found that there had been substantial progress in implementing the recommendations of the Social Work Services Inspectorate (now the SWIA) and MWC reports.
Evidence of progress includes:
- Staff in Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders and their partners had much greater understanding of the importance of protecting vulnerable adults with learning disabilities
- There had been a wide protection of vulnerable adults training programme. There were 1726 participants from partner agencies. In addition, 244 staff from police, the NHS and social work had undertaken more intensive training
- Social workers kept much better records in learning disability cases
- Most people with learning disabilities said they felt safe
Alexis Jay, Chief Social Work Inspector, said:
"Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders and their partner organisations have demonstrated a real commitment to improving the services offered to the most vulnerable adults and ensuring that they learn from the past. I am grateful for the support and cooperation of people with learning disabilities, carers and all agencies in the Borders".
Dr Donald Lyons, Director of the MWC, said:
"The joint inspection team were impressed with the progress Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders and their partners have made implementing the May 2004 recommendations. We found strong leadership for the drive to protect vulnerable adults with learning disabilities and make sure they are safe. Having two colleagues who have learning disabilities and one who is a carer on the inspection team made a huge difference".
The inspections were carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of inspectors including representatives from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, the Care Commission and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. Two inspectors who have learning disabilities and an inspector who is a family carer also took part.
The inspection team spent a week visiting services for people with learning disabilities in Borders. The fieldwork week was May 9-13, 2005.