Councils join named social worker pilot scheme

Three local authorities are joining the named social worker pilot scheme in adults’ services.

Jackie Doyle-Price, the junior minister for care and mental health, announced today at the National Children and Adult Services Conference that Bradford, Halton and Shropshire councils are joining the scheme, which started in 2016.

It aims to give people with learning disabilities, mental health and “composite” conditions and their families a dedicated social worker to help challenge decisions about their care.

Two months ago, Community Care revealed that three of the six councils initially involved in the pilot scheme – Nottingham, Calderdale and Camden – would not take part in the second phase of the scheme.

Doyle-Price said the three authorities would share in £400,000 of new funding, adding: “This is a fantastic scheme meaning people in these areas will receive personalised community care and support to live independently.”

‘Honest and open debate’

Doyle-Price also said a consultation on the future of adult social care funding would start in 2018 and would be a “catalyst” for an “honest and open debate about how we help individuals and families plan for future needs”.

She added: “The goal is a long-term funding solution that works for everyone.

“This is a once in a generation chance to look at how the system works and how it can deliver the best outcomes for everyone.”

Doyle-Price praised social workers for their daily work to support carers and those living with poor mental health, learning difficulties and dementia. She also highlighted their work in response to the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester and the Grenfell Tower fire.