1. Rick Wilson 12th February 2010 www.wacds.org.uk
Update from Wrexham.
Rick Wilson
12th February 2010

2. Wrexham’s progress so far
Wrexham have been implementing Citizen Directed Support in their learning disability service since April 2008
They have 102 people whose plans have been approved by panel.
Their eligibility criteria is now Critical and Substantial only (was also Moderate when we first implemented SDS) and each item of expenditure has to be linked to an eligible need with clear outcomes.

3. Changes following a review of the Scheme last year
The introduction of enablement.
This is intended to teach people some of the skills which can make them more independent, such as transport training or preparing simple snacks or meals for themselves.
We've found that where people live with parents (no matter how old they are) there is always an element of 'protection', ie. "he can't do that, we have to do it for him" - that underestimation of people's abilities.
It is intended that there will be a period of enablement first before people complete the questionnaire (up to 3 months, but can be extended), so that they are at their optimum and we're not over-supporting them.
They are also developing an allocation tool which will fit more closely with people's needs, taking into account what informal support is available to them.
Support staff are doing some mapping of communities with people, so that they really get a feel for what's going on and how to get involved, so that people are truly integrated into their local communities.

4. Community Building
Wrexham has done a lot of work on building communities, but there is lots more still to be done.
There is a community resource list, which lists all of the clubs, provider agencies, colleges, activities, churches etc. which are in the area.
This is held by the council and is kept up to date by someone from the Community Inclusion Team.
This person is also a Community Bridge Builder, who approaches organisations to help them look at how people can be welcomed into their group / club / organisation.

5. Moving on
Wrexham Council wants to transform Social Care for Adults overall.
It is looking at piloting CDS in other areas of the service once the new model has been finalised.