In the past Social Services (along with Health and Education) were the major providers of services for children and adults with a learning disability.  Since the coming of Community Care, the Government have moved the emphasis from Social Services providing services to them enabling provision to be made by the independent sector (i.e. private and voluntary sector) whilst maintaining a few core services within Social Services.

Since April 1993 Social Services have been responsible for assessing and delivering what help should be given to people who need Community Care Services e.g. day services, respite, residential services, help in the home and equipment. Since April 2006, the departments involved have become the Adult and Community Care Services with support for children and young people transferring to the Children and Young People’s Services with Education, Social services and Health input.

If you feel you need a service of any sort then you need to contact:

They may be able to help you immediately if you want specific information, advice or simple practical services.  If you are likely to need other help, you can ask for an assessment of need.  Social Services now have a legal obligation to assess your needs.

Assessments are made by Care Managers. The views of the person with a learning disability as well as those of their family, friends and other professionals should be taken into account.

You may wish to involve an independent advocate for the person with a learning disability or a friend or advocate, to help you as a carer to give your point of view.
 

Person Centred Planning

There should be increasing opportunities to engage in Person Centred Planning.  To find out more about this ask your Social Worker, Care Manager or contact the Mencap Centre.

First of all the needs of a person with a learning disability will be identified.  (It is important to remember that carer’s needs should be assessed separately.)  After this, options for services or support will be discussed and agreement made about services that are offered.  Do not be afraid to press for services that really meet the needs of the person with a learning disability.  If you are not happy with the decision, try and resolve it at this stage.

Increasingly, services may have to be paid for and so a financial assessment may also be made.  Do not forget that the financial assessment is based on the person receiving a service i.e. person with a learning disability and not on parents, relatives or carers.
 

COMPLAINTS ABOUT ADULT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

If you cannot resolve any concerns or you are not happy with the service that you receive from adult and Community Services then you can make an official complaint.  Send for a form by contacting:

The Complaints Officer
Adult and Community Services
County Hall
Northallerton
DL7 8DD

Before you fill in the form, think very carefully about the wording of your complaint.  If you would like any help, support or representation, then contact the Northallerton and The Dales Mencap Society - Tel: (01609) 778894, Citizens Advice Bureau or other support organisation.