To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the process by which needs assessments are carried out for people with learning disabilities; and (ii) how this information is used to plan for their needs in the immediate and longer term.

(i) A person with a Learning Disability can ask for an assessment of their health and social care needs, however the majority of those with a Learning Disability have been involved with the HSC from childhood and an assessment of their needs will have been carried out regularly and reviewed on an annual basis.

To allow young people with a Learning Disability prepare for adult life, a Transition process starts from the age of 14, led by the Department of Education with Health and Social Care input. Between the age of 18 and 21 the Transition from HSC Children Services to Adult Services is completed. At this stage a full multi-disciplinary assessment of needs of the individual and their carer/family is undertaken and agreed with them.

(ii) Once the assessment of need is completed, a Care Plan and support package is agreed by the multi-professional staff, the person with a Learning Disability and their carer/family. This Care Plan will outline how the individual’s required needs will be met in the immediate and longer term and will be reviewed annually by the individual’s key worker and all the people and agencies involved in delivering the package of care.