AQW 46361/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 28/05/2015
Answered On Date: 09/07/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the support available for 17-19 year olds with learning difficulties and disabilities to transition from the care received as a child to care provision as an adult; and to detail how progression into adulthood impacts upon the care they receive.

Answer:

It is a statutory duty to begin to plan for the transition of young people with a learning disability from the age of 14. The process is carried out in partnership with special schools, the young person and their family/carer and ensures as far as possible that the young person’s needs and wishes are well understood before the transition take place and that services are in place to meet these whenever possible. More detailed planning takes place closer to the actual transition date and depending on the young person’s needs such supports include social work, nursing, psychiatry, psychology and allied health professionals, for example, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. It is important for staff to minimise the uncertainties for the young person by providing good information and support throughout the process.