Youth offending teams or community mental health groups are good templates for care trust structures, the conference was told.
David Browning, associate director of public services research for the Audit Commission, said multi-disciplinary teams such as YOTs and mental health teams form an effective model to follow.
He also said a "network manager" can help to co-ordinate the partnership working between agencies that is essential if care trusts are to be successful.
Brian Dornan, director of social services for Southern Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland, explained how Down and Lisburn Health Trust combined health and social services into one organisation.
Primary care teams were created, which included social services, based in GP practices. "There is no wall between health and social care staff," he said, adding that 90 per cent of staff preferred the new integrated working arrangements, and believed they led to improved services.
Youth Justice and the Youth Justice Board
26 August 2008
Substance misuse
15 August 2008
Details of government consultations
21 August 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
