Learning Disabilities: Bold Visions: The Short Cut to Inclusion - Or the Inevitable Route to Winterbourne View - Softcover

Henley, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1899499687 ISBN 13: 9781899499687

Publisher: Minster Press, 2013

Synopsis

This controversial exposition details the efforts of the author to generate open and informed debate on issues of vital importance to thousands of carers who are the mainstay of any policy seeking to enable adults with learning disabilities to benefit from living within the ordinary community. He contends that successive Governments under the cloaks of modernisation and normalisation have eroded Care in the Community to the point of extinction. Evidence supports the view that for a quarter of a century policy formulation and implementation have been in the wrong hands. The fact that sound Care in the Community policies are becoming decimated have been independently reinforced by Rosa Monckton’s brilliant BBC exposures, the Learning Disability Coalition’s ‘Tell it like it is’ report’ July 2008, Mencap’s own depressing ‘Stuck at home’ Report May 2012; the concerns expressed at the Royal College of Nursing convention May 2012; not least by the BBC’s Panorama programme Winterbourne View 31st May 2011; these all contribute to the harrowing outcome of turmoil and grief to hard pressed families. Policy changes that had momentous implications for adult service users with all levels of ability were rushed into place without verifiable and convincing evidence that adequate and more appropriate alternatives would be available and affordable. As a consequence, an evolutionary Care in the Community policy that was providing comprehensive residential, respite, and day care support services has been diverted off course exposing the real danger that a return to institutionalisation becomes increasingly predictable. The purpose of the book is to justify bringing the issues raised into the public domain and enable carers have their views taken into account. These are serious issues that must be explored and debated openly and objectively without the duress currently suffered by carers and professionals who do not go with the flow.

Edition details

• Publisher: Minster Press
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1899499687
• ISBN 13: 9781899499687
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 294