Written Question · S6W-04712 · Session 6
What care support (a) it provides and (b) local authorities are expected to provide, that is specifically aimed at helping people with Down…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what care support (a) it provides and (b) local authorities are expected to provide, that is specifically aimed at helping people with Down syndrome, and what new measures it will introduce to enhance the support that is presently available.
The answer
(a) In terms of Scottish Government support, we have set out our commitment to people with a learning disability, including those with Down’s Syndrome, and their families through the Keys to Life Learning Disability strategy and the Towards Transformation Learning Disability and Autism Plan . Both plans focus on outcomes intended to ensure people with a learning disability live healthier lives, enjoy choice and control over the services they use, and are supported to be independent and active citizens.
To this end, we have committed to introducing a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill as part of the Programme for Government. This Bill will ensure that the rights of people with Down’s Syndrome, among others, are respected and protected. Additionally, we will create a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner to champion the new law.
The Scottish Government works closely with a range of third sector partners and funds Down’s Syndrome Scotland as delivery partners in achieving the Keys to Life Learning Disability strategy and the Towards Transformation Learning Disability and Autism Plan as well as to allow them to provide direct support to people with Down’s Syndrome and their families.
Additional funding was also awarded to develop changes in Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s programme of work during COVID-19 and supporting families through the pandemic and the recovery phase, including their vital helpline.
(b) Whilst the Scottish Government has overall responsibility for health and social care policy in Scotland, it is for the regional health & social care partnerships to determine the level of services that are required to meet local needs and to arrange an appropriate and suitable range of services to meet these local needs, as mandated under statute in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act. The Scottish Government expects that the needs of people with Down’s Syndrome are identified, acknowledged and met, ensuring positive outcomes are achieved.
To this end, we have committed to introducing a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill as part of the Programme for Government. This Bill will ensure that the rights of people with Down’s Syndrome, among others, are respected and protected. Additionally, we will create a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner to champion the new law.
The Scottish Government works closely with a range of third sector partners and funds Down’s Syndrome Scotland as delivery partners in achieving the Keys to Life Learning Disability strategy and the Towards Transformation Learning Disability and Autism Plan as well as to allow them to provide direct support to people with Down’s Syndrome and their families.
Additional funding was also awarded to develop changes in Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s programme of work during COVID-19 and supporting families through the pandemic and the recovery phase, including their vital helpline.
(b) Whilst the Scottish Government has overall responsibility for health and social care policy in Scotland, it is for the regional health & social care partnerships to determine the level of services that are required to meet local needs and to arrange an appropriate and suitable range of services to meet these local needs, as mandated under statute in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act. The Scottish Government expects that the needs of people with Down’s Syndrome are identified, acknowledged and met, ensuring positive outcomes are achieved.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-04712 by reference.