National Guidance on the Implementation of Local Area Co-ordination: An Easy Guide

What does the Scottish Government expect of Local Area Co-ordination?

The same as you? was the Government's review of services for people with learning disabilities. It came out in the year 2000. It said that local area co-ordinators should be appointed everywhere in Scotland so that people with learning disabilities and their families can get the information and support they want in their local area.

Changing Lives was a review of social work services. It says that local area co-ordination is a good example of how services can help people get the lives they want.

Local area co-ordination can also help achieve many of the other things that the Government wants to see happen for people in Scotland. These include a more equal and healthier country, safer and stronger communities and opportunities for learning. Some examples of the Government's plans (policies) that local area co-ordinators can help to make happen are:

The Disability Equality Duty

This says that all public authorities (this includes local authorities and health boards) must involve disabled people in planning services.

Better Health, Better Care

This is an action plan to make sure that everyone has access to health care and help people improve their health. Many people with learning disabilities don't get all the help they should with their health.

Plans for Carers

Carers should be told their rights and have their needs and views taken into account.

Delivering for Mental Health

This says that all services should be aware of how to help people with mental health problems.

Getting it Right for Every Child

This says that everyone should work together to make things better for all children and young people.

More Choices More Chances

This says that all young people should have opportunities for education, jobs or more training after they leave school.