Vol. 502 No. 5
64 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the respite places being made available for young people with a mental handicap are designed for this purpose and provide suitable stimulation; and his views on whether some children may be inappropriately placed in nursing home type accommodation, ill equipped to provide the activity levels which they require. [8666/99]
There has been a substantial investment in the development of services to persons with a mental handicap in recent years. Particular attention has been paid to the development of support services, including respite services, for persons with a mental handicap living at home with their families, so that individuals can continue to live in the community for as long as possible.
Respite care is provided in a number of ways. In some cases it is provided in a residential setting. It is also provided by host families through the various share a break schemes. The home support services can also provide shorter respite breaks for carers. These services enable agencies and health boards to respond to individual family needs in a flexible manner and with a package of care which is designed in consultation with the carers.
Additional revenue funding of £12 million is being provided in 1999, with a full year cost of £18 million in 2000, for the development of new services. This additional funding is providing 80 new designated respite places in addition to the development of new residential, day and other support services. The respite care services will continue to be expanded and account has been and will continue to be taken of this need in the allocation of additional resources for the provision of new residential facilities and the enhancement of other schemes which assist families in this area.
I have requested that the health boards provide me with information on the issues raised by the Deputy in relation to respite services which are provided to young people with a mental handicap in their regions and I will forward this information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
