Former residents of Winterbourne View assaulted in new homes, Panorama to claim

A follow-up to the shocking Panorama report on abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne View will allege that former residents have faced further assaults in other homes.

The second Panorama report will be aired on Monday 29 October on BBC1 from 8.30-9pm.

With Winterbourne View now closed, and 11 of its former staff having been convicted of assault, the programme will tell the stories of some of the patients who suffered, using undercover footage never seen before. It also examines allegations that a number of former residents have faced further assaults or unnecessary restraints in other homes.

Andrea Pope-Smith, joint chair of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services learning disability policy network, said: “It won’t be easy, it won’t be pretty [viewing]. It will ask how much progress has been made in the last 18 months. The answer is not enough, that step change hasn’t taken place yet.”

Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Eastbourne, Pope-Smith also revealed that a document will shortly be sent to all adult directors of social care.

This will set out key questions that must be asked of all provision for people with learning disabilities. These include: knowing what placements have been made in local areas and why, including settings that local authorities don’t use; whether service users all have independent advocates; knowing what restraint methods are being used; and are there any patterns around safeguarding referrals.

Community Care will be hosting a live debate during and after the Panorama programme on Monday. To take part go to the Community Care home page from 8.30pm on Monday 29 October. Or follow us on Twitter @CommunityCare

Related articles

Winterbourne View a case study in institutional abuse

Eleven former Winterbourne view staff face jail for abuse