Devon people with learning disabilities who use day care services are being asked how they would like to see their care improved in a move by Devon County Council to modernise the way day care is delivered.

In 2001, the Government published a White Paper, entitled Valuing People, which said that as far as possible, people who are currently receiving day care should be able to receive their care from within the community rather than attending day care centres.

It said that nothing should prevent people from having access to everyday services in the community that the wider public take for granted - access to education or employment for example, or leisure facilities, or the ability to socialise with friends.

Putting the White Paper into practice, the County Council's Social Services directorate has embarked on a county-wide modernisation programme of all its day care services for people with learning disabilities.

The first stage, which began before Christmas, is to consult with service users and others about how they want their service modernised in line with Devon's plans.

Sam Newman, the Head of Learning Disability Services said: 'Day time services are a very important part of our total package of support. It is relied upon by hundreds of people, and also offer much-needed breaks for carers and family members.

'This isn't going to change. We will continue to provide day care to those that need it, and everyone who is entitled to the care will remain entitled and have access to the services they require.'

The modernisation aims to work in two ways: People with very complex disabilities with specialised care requirements will continue to receive their care from highly skilled staff in small, specially designed centres. Others, who do not need the same level of specialised care will be able to access public services in the community with help from Devon's Social Services.

Social Services, through its network of day care centres, has started to work with Development Groups connected to each centre - and these include service users, their parents, carers and other partner agencies - to ask them how best their services can be modernised.

This process will be informed by Government guidance, best practice from around the country and a number of consultation events that have already occurred in Devon.

Decisions about the future use and function of day care buildings will be part of these discussions, and will be taken with service users, their families and other partners.

Modernisation is also required because current services are outstripping the budget available. However, this does not necessarily mean that services will reduce in quality or volume. Modernisation plans will include working more efficiently, and working more effectively with partners to increase the range of choice available.

The Council's aim is to have the modernisation programme completed by April 2006.

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