Darlington is an example of a council that demonstrates good practice across all six domains of this outcomes and improvement framework and achieves excellent outcomes for people with a learning disability. It has also consistently realised significant efficiency savings.
Supporting adults with learning disabilities to have better lives outcomes and improvement framework
For example, in the 18 to 64 age group these are as follows:
Efficiency savings
Total efficiencies*
|
In year**
|
Full year effect
|
17/18
|
£622,891
|
£789,979
|
18/19
|
£722,195
|
£688,891
|
19/20
|
£1,126, 965
|
£876,097
|
*Includes joint funding additional income, ending or reduced packages and direct payment reclaims **The in-year figure includes savings to temporary packages and direct payment reclaims too which further inflates the in-year figure but does not necessarily equate to full year effects.
The Darlington approach is characterised by a strong focus on outcomes, a determination to fully understand the needs of children and adults, a commitment to personalised services and co-production. By focussing on outcomes and supporting people to achieve their best independence using The “Progression” model, and also investing wisely in service modernisation and market development, the authority is achieving outstanding efficiency and a highly cost effective service model. Data is used effectively to support effective planning and to monitor performance.
In Darlington, the Life Stages Service (0-25 and 26+) supports disabled children, young people and adults with a learning disability. The authority moved away from the traditional system of transferring young adults to another team at 18 because they recognised that young adults, and their families, value consistency and stability during a time in their life where there is considerable change. In Darlington, this usually means that the allocated social worker remains with the young adult as they transition into adulthood.
Darlington was an early adopter of the “Progression” approach, using this as the basis for professional practice and commissioning in its Life Stages Service. This means that when working with individuals and their families the aim is to build on the individual’s strengths, skills and support networks so as to promote their independence throughout their life. The strengths-based approach is essential to this.
Investment in training and has enabled Social Workers in the Life Stages Service to develop their skills and knowledge to ensure they can assist young adults during this phase of their lives
System leaders have successfully created and sustained a strong culture that builds on the strengths of integration, uses the advantages of effective partnerships, both internal and external, and where staff are supported and encouraged to be adventurous in their practice.
The key aspects of Darlington’s approach in the six domains are detailed below: