 Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services, has announced that an external intervention board is to be set up to correct performance failings in the City and County of Swansea's children's services. The move follows serious concerns raised by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.
Key issues of concern for disabled children and their families included:
Threshold criteria for Child Disability Team
Reviews of disabled children in short-stay placements
Waiting lists for respite care for disabled children have increased
CAMHS support for children with learning disabilities
Transition planning for disabled young people
The report highlights concerns and frustrations felt by service users:
"I have been on a waiting list for a social worker for a number of years...My parents have been telephoning social services for years to ask if I could have a social worker and they ask if it is urgent - when you say 'no' they tell us I am on a waiting list and will be allocated one in due course."
"Respite for parents of disabled children is very poor, the waiting lists are very long and support is not there when it's needed. Parents and extended family take responsibility and their needs are overlooked. Respite has never been made available to us and [our child] is nearly 17. This is really not good enough."
The full inspection report can be downloaded from the CSSIW website. |
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