This book demonstrates very clearly how the personalisationof support and services works in practice. The authors describe how Jennie, a young person with autism and learning difficulties, was supported through the transition from school to living independently using simple, evidence-based person-centred planning tools. Jennie's story illustrates the importance of quality person-centred reviews, dispels the many myths surrounding Individual Service Funds and personal budgets and demonstrates how families, schools and other agencies can work collaboratively to help young people with disabilities move into adulthood with more choice and control over their lives, and with better life prospects. Practical pointers for readers to apply to their own circumstances are included, and the book contains helpful examples of the key person-centred thinking tools.Anyone involved in supporting children and young peoplewith disabilities as they approach adulthood, including parentsand carers, SENCOs, teachers, social workers and serviceproviders, will find this to be essential reading. Moregenerally, it will be an informative resource for those seekinga better understanding of how personalisation andperson-centred planning work in practice.
Foreword by Nicola Gitsham. Introduction. 1. Early Years. 2. Transition and Person-Centred Reviews. 3. Jennie's 'Circle of Support'. 4. Thinking About a Personal Budget and Developing Jennie's Support Plan. 5. Finding Jennie a Place to Live. 6. Finding the Provider. 7. Getting the Right Staff for Jennie. 8. Training and Supporting Staff to be 'Jennie Experts'. 9. Making it all Happen - Person-Centred Reviews and Change. 10. Two Years On - A New Path. 11. Our Advice for Families, Providers and Local Authorities. Afterword by Andrew Webb. Appendix: Person-Centred Planning Tools. Index.
'This is a much-needed resource for families and professionals and is especially helpful at a time when people are considering the implications and opportunities relating to the new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) system set out in the Children and Families Bill... One of the top ten Preparing for Adulthood messages is that local areas should ''raise aspirations for a fulfilling life, by sharing clear information about what has already worked for others''. Thank you Jennie, Suzie, Helen and Jennie's circle for sharing your experiences. This book will help local areas achieve this and ensure other young people and families have positive experiences of moving into adulthood and better life chances.'- from the foreword by Nicola Gitsham, Programme Manager, Preparing for Adulthood'As President of The Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) for the year 2013/14, I have been privileged to work closely with a number of key people in central government departments, with colleagues across the voluntary and independent sectors and with other local authorities. There is enormous commitment across the country, at all levels, to bring about a culture change in the way we identify strengths and needs, and provide support to children with additional needs and their families. Suzie's story reinforces my view that significant change should and can happen, and we must make it happen.'- from the afterword by Andrew Webb, President of The Association of Directors of Children's Services Ltd (ADCS) and Corporate Director, Services for People, Stockport Council'This is clearly going to be a useful - and inspiring - resource for anyone wishing to support a person they care for to live the life they choose. What I like about it is that it goes beyond the rhetoric of personalisation to make it a reality by showing how those who know the person best can come up with creative and innovative solutions to overcome some of the barriers traditional thinking might put in the way of progress. The 'Circle of Support' is a particularly powerful idea.'- Mark Lever, Chief Executive, National Autistic Society
