Author
ROWLAND-CROSBY Nic, GIARAUD-SAUNDERS Alison, SWIFT Paul
Title
Developing connexions: young people with disabilities, mental health needs or autistic spectrum disorders.
Publisher
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, 2004
Summary
This report outlines a two and half year project evaluating the support offered by the new Connexions Service to young people with learning difficulties, physical impairments, to young deaf people, those with visual impairments, young people experiencing mental health problems or those with autistic spectrum disorders. It covered five Connexions Services across the country. Lessons for good practice are outlined and recommendations for future service improvements made.
Context
This report has a number of key tasks: to provide Connexions Services with an easy-to-use evidence base; to enable Connexions Services to use this information as their service undergoes further development in integrated service delivery; to provide partner agencies and professionals with an understanding of the key learning from this project and how a multi-agency approach (as highlighted in the Green Paper and the Children Bill) should be
supporting young people; and to provide evidence and practice guidance on involving a wide and diverse group of young people in ongoing service development and one-to-one.
Contents
Chapter 1, ‘The Project', comprises descriptions of the final report, the Connexions Service, the project, making it work, recruiting young people, involving and consulting with young people, and consulting with connexions services, personal advisers and partner agencies. Chapter 2, ‘The Evidence', discusses young people, parents and carers, the Connexions Service and personal advisers, and what partners said about the new Connexions Service and the work of personal advisers. Chapter 3, ‘The Learning', covers the delivery of a differentiated service, the role of the personal adviser, involving young people, information, and working with partners. Chapter 4 ‘The Future', is about independence, the role of the personal adviser, and involving young disabled people and their families/carers. Each chapter begins with an easier-to-read summary, and all but the first end with conclusions. Appendices discuss models of delivery, responsibilities for pupils with statements of special educational needs, a tiered approach to service delivery and the role of the personal adviser, the Connexions Service National Unit, and the assessment, planning, information and review framework.