16 July 2015	ITEM: 6
Thurrock Health & Well- Being Board
Thurrock Adult Autism Strategy
Wards and communities affected: All	Key Decision: Non-key
Joint Report of: Thurrock Council & Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG):Authors – Catherine Wilson – Strategic lead – Commissioning and Procurement, Adults Health and Commissioning and Allison Hall – Commissioning Officer, Adults Health and Commissioning
Accountable Head of Service: N/A
Accountable Director: Roger Harris – Director Adults Health and Commissioning
This report is Public

Executive Summary

On 08 January 2015 the Health & Well Being Board was asked to note that Thurrock’s Adult Autism Strategy had been reviewed in light of Think Autism and to a approve a six week consultation on the strategy in line with Thurrock Councils consultation responsibilities

Between 19 January 2015 and 01 March 2015 Thurrock Council consulted on the strategy, minor amendments to the strategy and action plan have been made taking into account the views of the responses received

1.	Recommendation

1.1	That the Health & Well-Being Board formally adopts the strategy

2.	Introduction and Background

2.1	Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, sometimes referred to as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). A spectrum condition, by definition, refers to people with a very wide range of needs. A significant proportion of people with autism will also have a learning disability. At the other end of the spectrum there are people with ‘high-functioning’ autism, which includes Asperger Syndrome. People on the autistic spectrum experience difficulties with social communication, social interaction and social imagination

Whilst it is possible for people with autism to live fulfilling and rewarding lives, with family, friends and employment, many on the spectrum experience significant challenges, including:

Economic exclusion and unemployment

Inconsistency in the availability of services with a common experience of falling between services as autism does not fit the traditional inclusion criteria for mental health or learning disability services.

Increased risk of homelessness

Increased vulnerability to all forms of exploitation

The strategy has been written in the context of the statutory duties placed on local authorities and NHS bodies through the following

The Autism Act (2009)

Fulfilling and rewarding lives – the national strategy for autism (2010)

Statutory guidance for Local authorities and NHS organisations to support the implementation of the adult autism strategy (March 2015)

Think Autism Strategy – Fulfilling and rewarding lives, the strategy for adults with autism in England: an update (April 2014)

The specific areas for action under the revised Strategy are as follows

Increasing Awareness

Improved access to diagnosis and assessment services

Transition*

Improved access to services

Housing

Employment

Improve the way we plan and prioritise services for adults**

* Following a review of our Transitions data for those that will require Adult Social Care over the next 4 years

The data indicates the following

57 service users will be transitioning from Children’s Social Care to Adult Social Care in the next 4 years, of those 54% will be on the Autism spectrum

16 service users will require residential placements. These are expensive placements due to the complexity of need and specialist care required (ranging between £2,907.00 - £5,673.00 per week)

Current indications suggest the total weekly cost of those that will transition from Children’s Social Care to Adult Social Care is £59k per week, an annual cost of £3.1m

It is anticipated that this trend is likely to continue beyond the next 4 years due to the specialist autism schools within Thurrock (Treetops & Beacon Hill), there are very little services in the local area that can meet the need of this growing demand. (eg residential care, supported living and respite)

**By completing this review, being clear of our future demands and including this information within our strategy we are already beginning to see that it is having an effect particularly around commissioning decisions – Thurrock Council has recently submitted a joint bid with Family Mosaic (through CASSH funding (Care and Support Specialised Housing)) to support the development of autism specific accommodation in Thurrock, that can meet the needs of those on the autism spectrum and is an alternative to residential care. Thurrock Council will not know until the autumn if the bid has been successful, nonetheless this does demonstrate how the strategy is beginning to be influential in addressing the growing demand of suitable accommodation within the area.

There is a commissioning lead with Adult Social Care to lead and monitor performance on the work required. There will also be periodic reviews of the strategy over its lifetime to provide the Board with an update on progress.

As a result of the consultation the following amendments have been made to the strategy. The responses covered 2 areas; firstly that the wording around employment is changed where appropriate to “meaningful employment”. Secondly SPECTRUM – a local group run through Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions for people on the autistic spectrum, suggested 6 clear actions which in their view summarise the action plan. These have been included in the action plan (at pages 27-34) with the caveat that these actions will be delivered in the context of eligibility for Adult Social Care as defined in the Care Act 2014.

The strategy will be reviewed throughout its lifetime to ensure relevance and ensure it includes any developing national or local policies or drivers. It is anticipated that the action plan will be reviewed on an annual basis and reported to the Disability Partnership Board, to note progress and include areas of red and amber on each annual Autism Self-Assessment

3.	Issues, Options and Analysis of Options

N/A

4.	Reasons for Recommendation

4.1	To ensure that the Health & Well Being Board are informed of Thurrock’s statutory responsibilities in adherence of Think Autism (April 2014) and to approve the Adults Autism Strategy following consultation

5.	Consultation (including Overview and Scrutiny, if applicable)

5.1	Public consultation was carried out following Health & Well-Being board on 08 January 2015

6.	Impact on corporate policies, priorities, performance and community impact

6.1	There is a statutory responsibility upon the council and CCG to implement the Think Autism priorities. Officers will work with departments within the council, partners and the voluntary sector to ensure that we meet our responsibilities and where appropriate amend policies

7.	Implications

7.1	Financial

Implications verified by:	Mike Jones

Management Accountant

There will be costs incurred regarding training, awareness and officer time in implementing the Think Autism priorities and Adult Autism Strategy; these will be required to be contained within existing resources

7.2	Legal

Implications verified by:	Dawn Pelle

Adult Care Lawyer

There are no legal implications. The relevant legislation and Guidance has been taken into account within the strategy

7.3	Diversity and Equality

Implications verified by:	Natalie Warren

Community Development & Equalities Manager

The implementation of the revised autism strategy will be key in ensuring that people who have autism have an equal opportunity within their community regardless of any other protected characteristic (Equality Act 2010) they may have. The service will monitor closely the delivery of this wider agenda ensuring appropriate outcomes for all

7.4	Other implications (where significant) – i.e. Staff, Health, Sustainability, Crime and Disorder)

N/A

8.	Background papers used in preparing the report (including their location on the Council’s website or identification whether any are exempt or protected by copyright):

9.	Appendices to the report

Thurrock Council Adult Autism Strategy

Report Author:

Catherine Wilson

Strategic Lead – Commissioning & Procurement

Adults, Health & Commissioning

Allison Hall

Commissioning Officer

Adults, Health & Commissioning