Jon Rouse, the Department of Health's Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships, uses his latest blog to express his enthusiasm and hopes for real engagement and discussion at this year's National Children and Adult Services conference (NCAS). Jon will be speaking at the conference in Harrogate on 17 October 2013 when he will offer his thoughts on the Care Bill, care and support reform and continued sector engagement.
Whilst expecting wide discussion on clear and present themes, including the current financial climate, child protection, social care reform, home care commissioning and the Integration Fund, Jon is also keen to see engagement on improving mental health services for children and young people. Likewise, he hopes time will be given to considering if commissioning practices are changing as they should in the aftermath of Winterbourne View.
In the meantime, the Social Care News blog will continue to update you with NCAS news before, during and after the conference.
And why not join the #NCASC conversation on Twitter?
2 comments
Comment by K Harley posted on
I trust that Jon Rouse will take care to make sure that there is enough care available in the community for vulnerable children and adults including those with disabilities. I do not know what I would do if I lost my care package, which is a constant worry, as I could not live in my own home without the rather large care package I receive and I know there are many others like me who worry about ending up in a home (or even helpless on the street if no care provided at all, that's how real peoples fears are who depend on care packages no matter how often they are told not to worry) where they do not want to be, instead of living happy fulfilled lives in the community able to visit their local churches(or house of worship they follow) and feel a sense of still having purpose and a life worth living. I know funding is a difficult problem but this is an area that should not be let down by unacceptable cuts!
Comment by Mark Osterloh posted on
Hi Karen - thank you for your comments. The Care Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, is intended to address concerns such as yours, including how best to support those needing comprehensive ongoing support. You raise an important point about the need for people to live happy and fulfilled lives within the community. A greater sense of empathy and involvement in the people's lives from friends, families and local support organisations goes beyond issues of funding. At the same time as finding new and sustainable ways to pay for care, we need to be more respectful and involved in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.