Outline Sectoral Plan under the Disability Bill 2004 : executive summary
Introduction
The principal aim of the Outline Sectoral Plan of the Department of Health and Children, which is an interim one, is to ensure that the main aspects of the preparatory work related to the provisions of the Disability Bill are completed, together with the strategic review of the services as a whole. These measures will inform the work of the Department in relation to subsequent progress in this area and will also provide an opportunity for all relevant interested parties to contribute to a longer term revised Sectoral Plan.
Key Highlights
- Consultation with people with disabilities, their families and carers, relevant statutory bodies and service providers.
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Assessment of Need:
- Initial work to prepare for regulations governing the Assessment of Need process contained in the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Disability Bill 2004;
- Measures to maximise access to existing assessment services, including procedures/criteria governing prioritisation where access is not immediately available - within six months of publication of Draft Outline Sectoral Plan.
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Access to Services:
- Strategic Review of Disability Services - to be completed by end 2005;
- Preparation of National Policy Framework for Mental Health Services - to be completed by end 2005;
- Measures to maximise access to existing services, including procedures/criteria governing prioritisation where access is not immediately available - within six months of publication of Draft Outline Sectoral Plan.
- Liaison arrangements to be put in place with other relevant Government Departments and Public Bodies and in particular with the National Council for Special Education.
- Monitoring arrangements to be put in place at Department and health board level in relation to the implementation of provisions of Draft Outline Sectoral Plan.
