http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmlThe Local Government Association has stepped in to address adult safeguarding failings at Wirral Council by setting up a board to drive improvement. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmlWalsall is making telecare a default component of care packages to boost independence for people with chronic conditions and manage the rising costs of supporting this group, says council adult care director Paul Davies. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117971/nhs-must-protect-lives-of-all-psychiatric-patients-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117971/nhs-must-protect-lives-of-all-psychiatric-patients-at-risk.htmlPsychiatric hospitals risk breaching human rights law if they do not take action to protect the lives of patients admitted informally, the Supreme Court has ruled in a landmark judgement today. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmlMany learning disability hospitals and care homes are failing to provide person-centred care, the Care Quality Commission has found in its national review triggered by the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmlThe Supreme Court is to rule on councils' right to take resources into account in determining the levels of care they will fund for users, in a case that could have significant implications for social care funding. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmlAdult care and health should be brought under a single commissioner in each area to improve support for older people and help solve social care's funding crisis, the health select committee, chaired by Stephen Dorrell (pictured), said today.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlAdult social workers feel pessimistic about the future of their practice because of bureaucracy and care management, but still believe they make a difference, The College of Social Work has found. (Photo: Rex Features) Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/02/117953/improving-access-to-social-care-for-adults-with-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/02/117953/improving-access-to-social-care-for-adults-with-autism.htmlNew support from the Social Care Institute for Excellence Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlSocial work will be at the heart of the government's forthcoming adult care White Paper, with the profession's role expected to switch from rationing care to community development, Paul Burstow has said. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmlSocial workers need more effective training and guidance in applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to take decisions on behalf of service users and support them to make decisions for themselves. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmlThe gap between social care funding and need has grown by £500m for older people in England in 2011-12, compounding a situation in which 800,000 pensioners were already going without services. (Image: Rex Features). Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlSocial work performance management has become associated with bureaucracy, a negligible impact on quality and poor morale. However, one council says that it has designed and implemented a system that has delivered precisely the opposite. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmlSocial care professionals have been urged to increase assessment levels for carers of cancer patients after a survey found half were receiving no support and a similar proportion were experiencing mental distress. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/24/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/24/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmlThe NHS should spend more on adult social care to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of support for people with long-term conditions, MPs said today. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlA recent Court of Appeal judgement was described as the death of the deprivation of liberty safeguards. However, best interests assessor Lorraine Currie disagrees, and says Lord Justice Munby's ruling provides useful tools for practitioners.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlA care provider has been fined £14,000 for leaving staff at risk of violence from a client (Image: Rex).Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlUnmanageable caseloads are making it impossible for social workers to practice ethically, the British Association of Social Workers warned today as it issued a revised version of its code of ethics. (Image: Rex Features). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmlHalf a million disabled people would lose out on benefits through the government's reform to disability living allowance, it revealed today. (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmlThe government has watered down its controversial cuts to disabilty living allowance (DLA) by dropping plans to double the period after the onset of disability before which people can qualify for the benefit (Image: Rex). Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117924/user-received-misguided-care-before-he-killed-grandfather.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117924/user-received-misguided-care-before-he-killed-grandfather.htmlProfessionals missed six opportunities to assess a patient under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and provided him with 'misguided care' in the three months before he killed his grandfather, a review has concluded. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlLast week’s launch of The College of Social Work has posed each of England’s approximately 85,000 social workers with a simple question: to join or not to join? Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117921/half-a-million-uk-children-are-unhappy-study-reveals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117921/half-a-million-uk-children-are-unhappy-study-reveals.htmlHalf a million children across the UK are unhappy with their lives, according to research published today by The Children’s Society. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlSocial care professionals should be at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in every area to manage the care of people with long-term conditions and make a reality of integrated care, the government has been told. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmlAssisted dying should be legalised for terminally ill people so long as they are not put under pressure to end their lives and palliative care is much improved, a major inquiry has concluded (Image: Alamy). Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlCarers will be disproportionately hit by government benefit cuts over the coming years, research published today shows. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List following her review into child protection, which last year called for sweeping reforms to assessments and performance management. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmlA survey to measure burnout among approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) has been launched by researchers at King's College London.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlSocial care staff and employers are being urged to blow the whistle on abuse and poor practice through a helpline formerly open to NHS staff only. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlCare funding deadlock, industrial strife and a change of leadership at a key agency. We gaze into our crystal ball to predict what 2012 might hold for social care (Pic: Everett Collection/Rex Features )Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlWhile cuts have dominated social care in 2011 some proposed funding reductions and organisational closures have been successfully reversed. Here are our top five victories against the cuts. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlCarers UK has named Heléna Herklots as its new chief executive. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlInadequate staff training and an impersonal approach to care is blighting the experiences of dementia patients in hospitals, a major national study has concluded. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmlThis is an interesting book that considers the common characteristics between different states of vulnerability, which may occur within a range of contexts, particularly health, social and community care, writes Bridget Penhale.Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlCampaigners have hailed government proposals to widen the definition of domestic violence to include victims aged under 18 and those who have experienced ongoing controlling behaviour from partners. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117839/financial-abuse-of-dementia-sufferers-is-rife-warns-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117839/financial-abuse-of-dementia-sufferers-is-rife-warns-charity.htmlSocial care professionals have been urged to look out for indicators of financial abuse among people with dementia after Alzheimer's Society warned that the problem was rife among the client group. (Image: REX features) Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmlAdult social care and health will be integrated in Scotland to help tackle delayed discharged from hospital and cost-shunting between councils and the NHS, under plans outlined yesterday by the country's government (Image: REX features). Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117878/book-review-crossing-the-acts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117878/book-review-crossing-the-acts.htmlThe risks faced by adults with mental disorder are greater in degree and type than those of other adults and as such require a different approach to the management of and response to risk and harm, writes Iain McDonald. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmlThis book would prove to be an invaluable tool to anyone involved in reminiscence work, from paid carers or family members to trained professionals, writes Ian Taylor. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmlThe Department of Health has ordered a probe into the Care Quality Commission following significant criticisms of its leadership from board member Kay Sheldon. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmlUsers and carers' opinions on care services will be published alongside ratings of their quality on an online "good care guide" designed to replace the star ratings scrapped last year, Paul Burstow has said. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlCouncils responsible for social care in England will have £1.5bn taken out of their budgets next year, the government has said. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117871/staff-cuts-and-overcrowding-blight-care-for-detained-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117871/staff-cuts-and-overcrowding-blight-care-for-detained-patients.htmlStaff cuts and overcrowded wards are blighting the care of detained mental health patients, the Care Quality Commission has warned. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlMental health consultant Mike Bush explains why trainers and employers must work harder to protect and promote the mental health and resilience of social workersFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlLeadership and governance need to be stronger in learning disabilities hospitals and care homes, the Care Quality Commission has said. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlCouncils across England have shed 145,000 jobs over the past year and the number is set to rise, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission. Unison head of local government Heather Wakefield (pictured), said: "Councils have already made far more job cuts than they said would be necessary. This report shows that the worst is yet to come.” Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmlThe Department of Health must "get to grips with the very real risks to the social care market" to avoid another Southern Cross-style failure, an influential group of MPs warned today. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmlCouncils have been warned that they face having care cuts reversed in the courts after a second authority was ordered to review a decision to freeze fees.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmlA survey of more than 4,000 carers by Carers UK for Carers Rights Day today has found that almost 47% were being made ill by money worries. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlThe Care Quality Commission risks being distracted from its core role of regulating health and adult social care services by government plans to extend its responsibilities, the National Audit Office warned today. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmlThe Department of Health has granted the Care Quality Commission's request for greater funding to finance annual inspections of adult care services and others it regulates. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmlSocial care services were being trimmed in England even before the coalition's major programme of cuts kicked in this year, figures published today indicate. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlSocial care will face deeper cuts lasting until 2017 on the back of chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement issued yesterday. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlGovernment ministers have defended the College of Social Work’s tie-up with Unison following criticism from the education select committee earlier this month. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlPublic sector pay will be squeezed until 2015 and cuts to services will continue until 2017, chancellor George Osborne announced today in his Autumn Statement (Image: Steve Back). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmlA Care Quality Commission board member has called for the resignation of chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) over a lack of leadership capability at the regulator. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmlTen people have been charged with abusing or neglecting patients at Winterbourne View Hospital for people with learning disabilities. (Image from BBC Panorama). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlThe government is to introduce checks on decisions to award sickness benefits to ensure fairness and consistency, following the publication of the second independent review of the work capability assessment today. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmlPrimary care trust spending on carers has fallen by £2.4m over the past year despite additional government investment, an investigation by two carers organisations has found.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmlThe government has toughened requirements on the NHS to fund carers' services after admitting funding allocated for the purpose was not being spent as desired.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117819/untrained-practitioners-delivering-psychological-therapies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117819/untrained-practitioners-delivering-psychological-therapies.htmlTherapists are delivering psychological therapies they are not trained to provide to people with anxiety and depression, according to a national audit published today by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117812/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-not-fit-for-purpose.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117812/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-not-fit-for-purpose.htmlThe deprivation of liberty safeguards must be "drastically revised" or replaced according to the findings of a Mental Health Alliance draft report, which has concluded that they are "not fit for purpose", writes Helen Mooney. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmlHuman rights protections should be extended to publicly-funded users of private home care services, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has urged after finding widespread abuses in the sector. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmlStandards of home care in England will be investigated by the Care Quality Commission to shine a light on services that operate "behind closed doors", says chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured). Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmlThe challenge of supporting adults with high-functioning autism, including the need for in-depth assessment, has convinced one council to set up a specialist team to cater for them, writes Natalie Valios Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/19/117772/charity-mind-sounds-alarm-over-crisis-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/19/117772/charity-mind-sounds-alarm-over-crisis-mental-health-services.htmlThere need to be more mental health services for people on the edge of crisis care, according to the charity Mind's year-long investigation into the state of acute and crisis care services for people with urgent mental health needs. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmlThe government must relax its 2013 target for 100% take-up of personal budgets in adult social care, according to the New Local Government Network.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlMichelle Cornes and Jill Manthorpe summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme outlining the key practice implications for social workers Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117783/mental-health-payment-by-results-tariff-stalled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117783/mental-health-payment-by-results-tariff-stalled.htmlCreating an NHS payment by results tariff for mental health services remains a challenge which mental health trusts and service commissioners have failed to address, according to the NHS Confederation. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmlMajor gaps in support for vulnerable adults with undiagnosed learning disabilities have been exposed by the exploitation and murder of Gemma Hayter (pictured), who was beaten to death in August 2010 by people she considered her friends, a serious case review has found. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmlCare home leaders are celebrating after a council ordered a review of its fees for providers under threat of a judicial review challenge.Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmlThe Isle of Wight Council's increase in eligibility thresholds for adult care this year was unlawful, it was ruled today, in a judgement today that "sends a very clear message" to other councils considering cuts. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmlConcerns have been raised over "draconian" proposals from care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) to use the deprivation of liberty safeguards to crack down on inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs to sedate people with dementia. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmlReablement services are being expanded significantly across England on the back of £648m transferred from the NHS to local authorities this year. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlThe row over the creation of the College of Social Work deepened today as the British Association of Social Workers was accused of "unethical" and "unprincipled" behaviour by Allan Bowman (pictured), the chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmlCare homes sometimes find it difficult to identify when they are depriving a resident of their liberty. Here deprivation of liberty safeguards expert John Leighton sets out what they need to look out for.Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlCommunity Care takes the difficult decision to close the print magazine and focus all its energy and resources on supporting social care professionals online. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlCouncils identifed over 30,000 cases of abuse of vulnerable adults last year, according to official figures from the NHS Information Centre Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlDespite the imminent formation of the College of Social Work many social workers and social work students do not know the difference between a regulator and a professional body. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlA board game that helps staff, providers and service users understand personalisation has succeeded in changing the culture in some organisations, reports Louise HuntWed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117694/inquiry-launched-into-outcomes-for-people-with-schizophrenia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117694/inquiry-launched-into-outcomes-for-people-with-schizophrenia.htmlAn inquiry into why outcomes for people with schizophrenia remain so poor has been launched today, 100 years after the illness was identified. Rethink Mental Illness chief executive Paul Jenkins (pictured) said that people with the condition are too often "forgotten and end up with a low quality of life".Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117692/charities-should-take-mental-health-care-co-ordinator-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117692/charities-should-take-mental-health-care-co-ordinator-role.htmlThe co-ordination of mental healthcare for users should be outsourced from social workers and NHS colleagues to the third sector to improve the independence and creativity of support.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlThe number of referrals to the Care Council for Wales (CCW) involving student social workers has fallen over the past two years, according to latest figures. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117681/hike-in-number-of-rough-sleepers-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117681/hike-in-number-of-rough-sleepers-with-mental-health-issues.htmlIncreasing numbers of people with mental health problems are sleeping rough due to cuts to mental health services, homelessness outreach workers have warned. (Picture: Rex, model released)Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117684/mental-health-services-must-keep-up-with-changes-in-treatment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117684/mental-health-services-must-keep-up-with-changes-in-treatment.htmlImprovements need to be made in mental health service delivery if it is to keep pace with changes in treatment. Michael Clark and Martin Knapp review the evidenceThu, 27 Oct 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmlA new super-charity led by disabled people will have more influence on policy and greater fundraising clout than its three predecessor organisations put together.Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117678/preventing-placement-breakdown-among-looked-after-children-with-complex-mental-health-needs.htmlA team-around-the-child solution is preventing placement breakdown among looked-after children with complex mental health needs, reports Louise Hunt Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmlFamilies and partners can often be a source of support, but there are times when the individual needs of couples can be in conflict with each other, paricularly in cases of dementiaWed, 26 Oct 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117669/mental-health-patient-albert-haines-loses-bid-for-release.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117669/mental-health-patient-albert-haines-loses-bid-for-release.htmlMental health patient Albert Haines (pictured) has had his bid to overturn his detention in hospital rejected by the first tribunal to be held in public.Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmlSupporting People cuts will put vulnerable people at risk and shunt costs on to other parts of the care and support system, councils have warned. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/25/117664/talking-therapies-for-children-receive-32m-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/25/117664/talking-therapies-for-children-receive-32m-boost.htmlThe government has announced a £32 million investment in psychological therapies, including talking therapies, for children and young people with mental health problems.Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlCalls to mandate serious case reviews when adults at risk are murdered fail to recognise there are other ways of learning lessons, finds Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117659/disability-groups-merge-to-form-largest-user-led-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117659/disability-groups-merge-to-form-largest-user-led-charity.htmlThe National Centre for Independent Living, Radar and Disability Alliance are to merge to form the country's largest disability organisation led by disabled people themselves. Radar chief executive Liz Sayce (pictured) is due to take the helm of Disability Rights UK, which will launch on 1 January. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117653/keeping-social-work-at-the-heart-of-integrated-mental-health-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117653/keeping-social-work-at-the-heart-of-integrated-mental-health-care.htmlSplits in mental health teams highlight the value social work has brought to the NHS, say Ruth Allen and Claire Barcham Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmlA peer mentoring project is providing positive outcomes for people with anxiety, reports Louise HuntMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117641/families-denied-information-on-ex-southern-cross-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117641/families-denied-information-on-ex-southern-cross-homes.htmlFamilies will struggle to judge the quality of former Southern Cross care homes because they cannot access information on past performance, it has emerged. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower (left) has promised to look into the issue.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlPersonalisation and personal budgets have brought new skills and jobs in social care, including brokerage. But it is unclear what this role involves and who should be doing it. Steve Dowson argues it is best done independently of the local authority rather than by council care managers Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmlThe emphasis on providing personal budgets for all risks failing to deliver personalised care for people with the most complex needs, a report from Demos warns today.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmlCouncils and providers have been urged to sign up to a new suite of indicators on personalisation and publish details of their progress against them. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmlSocial workers' role in support planning should be radically reduced to enable service users to take control of deciding how to spend their personal budgets, an influential paper said this week. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlRestrictions on how service users spend personal budgets should be lifted, say sector leaders. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117615/direct-payments-not-reaching-mental-health-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117615/direct-payments-not-reaching-mental-health-service-users.htmlPeople with mental health problems are being denied the benefits of direct payments because of a lack of staff knowledge and inadequate information from councils, a Rethink Mental Illness report has warned. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/16/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/16/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmlThe Care Quality Commission is failing to protect adults experiencing abuse or neglect in hospitals, Action on Elder Abuse has claimed in a damning report.Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/15/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/15/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmlThe NHS faced more appeals against decisions to deny people continuing healthcare funding last year and a greater proportion were successful, Community Care research shows. (Picture: Rex, posed by model)Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlSome social care staff struggle to deliver person-centred care. But a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers advice on how many of the perceived barriers can be overcome with the right attitude and commitment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117597/compulsory-community-mental-health-care-hailed-a-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117597/compulsory-community-mental-health-care-hailed-a-success.htmlCompulsory community mental health treatment in Scotland has benefited most service users, allaying fears that it would be used simply to enforce compliance with treatment. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117598/female-offenders-miss-out-on-mental-health-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117598/female-offenders-miss-out-on-mental-health-support.htmlCommunity mental health provision for female offenders is poor, partly because care thresholds are so high, inspectors warned today. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 13 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117592/better-information-sharing-could-have-saved-girl-finds-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117592/better-information-sharing-could-have-saved-girl-finds-scr.htmlThe death of a five-year-old girl might have been prevented if there had been better information-sharing between agencies, a serious case review has found. Gabrielle Grady, aged five, died after her father, Chris Grady, deliberately drove a car in which she and her younger brother, Ryan, two, were passengers into a river in Worcestershire in February 2010.Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117591/psychiatrists-want-nhs-reforms-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117591/psychiatrists-want-nhs-reforms-to-be-scrapped.htmlJust 12% of psychiatrists believe the government's NHS reforms will lead to better patient care, as legislation to enact them enters the House of Lords today. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmlThe government will not prop up care providers whose businesses have failed, in the wake of the Southern Cross case. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117582/20m-boost-for-campaign-to-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117582/20m-boost-for-campaign-to-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has announced a £20m boost for the Time to Change campaign to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117578/southern-cross-to-close-home-at-centre-of-abuse-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117578/southern-cross-to-close-home-at-centre-of-abuse-inquiry.htmlSouthern Cross is to close a nursing home at the centre of an abuse inquiry weeks before its transfer to a new provider, it announced today. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmlPlanned housing benefit reforms may force vulnerable people to leave supported housing settings for residential care or to return to their families, says a coalition of charities. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117571/drug-addiction-recovery-rates-on-the-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117571/drug-addiction-recovery-rates-on-the-up.htmlThe number of people recovering from drug addiction in England rose by 18% last year, according to the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117552/personal-budgets-boost-for-continuing-care-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117552/personal-budgets-boost-for-continuing-care-clients.htmlPeople with continuing healthcare needs will have the right to request a personal health budget by April 2014, health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) has told the Conservative Party conference. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmlMore effective reporting and recording of bullying among prisoners must be implemented to reduce the number of suicides within custody, according to a report issued today. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117541/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-costs-well-above-estimates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117541/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-costs-well-above-estimates.htmlDeprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) cases are costing at least twice the government's estimates, raising doubts about the adequacy of funding for local authorities to carry them out.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlThe government is to drop the planned excellence award for social care providers after it was universally rejected by the sector. Care Quality Commission chair Jo Williams (pictured) has said that she saw no prospect of the scheme going ahead.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117537/students-missing-out-on-mental-health-support-warns-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117537/students-missing-out-on-mental-health-support-warns-college.htmlSome students with mental health problems are missing out on support because of rising demand, the Royal College of Psychiatrists warns in a report today. And university cuts could spell worse to come. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlResearch published this year found personal budgets were improving outcomes for users. Consultant Colin Slasberg (pictured left) claims the positive effects are not the work of personal budgets but of funding levels. In a response, research author Chris Hatton (right) says his findings are robust Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmlSafeguarding adult boards are struggling to secure sufficient resources and the participation of key agencies in their work, a Department of Health-commissioned study finds today. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117528/good-social-work-not-targets-needed-in-self-neglect-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117528/good-social-work-not-targets-needed-in-self-neglect-cases.htmlPerformance targets and resource pressures could be undermining the "good social work" that is key to improving the lives of people who neglect themselves, finds research published today.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlStand by for some worried clients in the next few weeks, writes Gary Vaux. The Department for Work and Pensions is writing to 100,000 people telling them that from April 2012, they might lose their right to benefit.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlCommunity Care and Unison's 2011 personalisation survey found social workers needed advice on supporting service users to employ a personal assistant. Independent social worker Kelly Hicks offers some guidanceWed, 28 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117508/spending-on-disabled-childrens-services-rises-sharply.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117508/spending-on-disabled-childrens-services-rises-sharply.htmlCouncil spending is set to increase on services for disabled children despite initial fears they could be vulnerable after the ending of ring-fenced budgets. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117509/antidepressant-usage-rises-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117509/antidepressant-usage-rises-in-scotland.htmlThe number of people prescribed anti-depressants in Scotland has continued to rise in the past year, despite a government pledge to reduce usage.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlA website is about to be launched that could radically improve professionals' access to information when handling adult protection cases. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmlJust 150 new personal budget arrangements were set up in three Scottish self-directed support pilot sites over the past two years despite “significant investment from the Scottish government”, a study has found. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117491/camhs-cuts-see-younger-children-miss-out-on-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117491/camhs-cuts-see-younger-children-miss-out-on-support.htmlPrimary school-age children with mental health problems will bare the brunt of cuts to child and adolescent mental health services, experts are warning. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlThe College of Social Work will formally launch on 3 January next year, without the support of the British Association of Social Workers. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmlSocial workers risk failing to signpost service users to valuable sources of support from peers and community organisations because of a lack of awareness.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/20/117478/poor-access-takes-shine-off-talking-therapy-recovery-rates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/20/117478/poor-access-takes-shine-off-talking-therapy-recovery-rates.htmlNHS talking therapy services are achieving high rates of recovery for mental health service users but access to treatment remains too low, sector leaders say. Their warning follows the first assessment of the flagship Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme.Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117471/call-for-private-investors-to-fund-early-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117471/call-for-private-investors-to-fund-early-intervention.htmlPrivate investment in early intervention could save £40,000 a year on supporting each "chaotic" family, according to a report by wealth manager Barclays Wealth and New Philanthropy Capital.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/18/117468/homelessness-staff-rough-sleepers-being-lured-into-slavery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/18/117468/homelessness-staff-rough-sleepers-being-lured-into-slavery.htmlHomeless workers have reported a growing problem of gangs luring rough sleepers into enforced labour by preying on their desperation. Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117469/tory-mp-plans-network-to-help-parents-bond-with-babies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117469/tory-mp-plans-network-to-help-parents-bond-with-babies.htmlConservative MP Andrea Leadsom has announced plans to create a national network of charitable parenting projects to offer intensive support to parents unable to bond with their babies. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmlScottish care homes will get at least one unannounced inspection a year, under plans to toughen up scrutiny of services announced today by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has called on the social care sector to help shape its forthcoming White Paper in a three-month consultation launched today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmlKidnapped social worker Judith Tebbutt's employers have spoken of their shock after she was taken hostage while holidaying in Kenya. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117443/burstow-announces-10m-boost-for-dementia-memory-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117443/burstow-announces-10m-boost-for-dementia-memory-services.htmlThe government has announced a £10m boost for dementia memory services to improve earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmlSocial workers need much clearer guidance about the deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols) after a study found widespread disagreement between professionals about what constituted a deprivation.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlThe Care Quality Commission’s “distorted priorities” were responsible for a recent fall in inspections of adult social care services, MPs have said.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) has released a training package to help social workers better understand the needs of parents with mental health problems. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmlAccess to advocacy for vulnerable groups is to fall significantly due to a combination of rising demand and substantial funding cuts, sector umbrella group Action for Advocacy has found.Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmlSocial workers have been given longer to assess service users at risk from cuts in West Sussex to ensure their needs are thoroughly reviewed. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmlCare providers will face slimmed down inspections under reforms to the Care Quality Commission's regulation regime. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmlSerious case reviews should be mandatory when vulnerable adults are murdered to help address the failure of public agencies to tackle disability hate crime. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into the issue highlighted the SCR of murdered learning disabled man Steven Hoskin (pictured) in 2006 as one that had enabled agencies to learn lessons.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmlSector leaders have raised concerns over the transparency of personal budgets after research found councils could not provide information on how their resource allocation systems converted assessments into budgets. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmlA group of women who sleep rough in London refuse help, seeing homelessness as their choice. They do not take drugs or abuse alcohol but may have undiagnosed mental health issues. We asked three College of Social Work representatives what they would do in response to two such cases Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmlThe High Court has allowed a legal challenge against Isle of Wight Council's decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those substantial needs. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlResidential and domiciliary care staff are an important part of the social care universe but it is too easy for their needs to be ignored. Community Care has set out to address this problem with the launch of the latest addition to www.communitycare.co.uk - You Care. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlRural home care services are becoming unviable become of the combined impact of cuts and journey times between visits, according to the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlHome care staff are facing reduced pay and conditions and are being put at risk because of council cuts to providers, a United Kingdom Homecare Association survey has found. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmlInspections of independent learning disability healthcare services have rocketed since the exposure of alleged abuse at Winterbourne View hospital (pictured) at the end of May.Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmlService users' safety and dignity are being put at risk due to council home care cuts, sector leaders have warned after a survey revealed service shortcomings. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlPersonalisation has made lives more difficult for the people it is supposed to help while adding red tape to the process, writes social care consultant Andrew TysonThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117372/adults-staff-should-use-caf-in-family-mental-health-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117372/adults-staff-should-use-caf-in-family-mental-health-cases.htmlAdults' social workers should be encouraged to use the common assessment framework (CAF) to improve support for families with adults who have mental health problems, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) has said.Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmlMore than half of councils failed to comply with the government's recommended 12-week period for consultation in setting their adult social care budgets for 2011-12. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmlOne in 10 councils may have breached equality laws by failing to consult properly on cuts to adult care this year, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlThe number of legal challenges to council social care policies rose by 45% last year and more are being successful, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117364/social-workers-collapsing-under-workplace-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117364/social-workers-collapsing-under-workplace-stress.htmlThree in five social workers to contact the British Association of Social Workers' advice and representation team are suffering from work-related stress. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmlThe prospects for reducing the use of outmoded learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View are bleak because of a lack of incentives to change from providers, commissioners and the regulator.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmlSocial care services in Northern Ireland face an overhaul after the country's health minister today declared them "unsustainable in their current form". Edwin Poots said he wanted service users to live more independently.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmlEssex Council has stopped placing people at a care home at the centre of a police investigation after the unexplained deaths of two elderly women this month. The pair, aged 89 and 80, had been living at the Partridge Care Centre (pictured) in Harlow. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmlThe Carer Watch discussion forum is to be reinstated after the campaign group reached an agreement with Atos Healthcare regarding allegedly libellous posts about the disability assessment company. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmlMore than 400 people with terminal or chronic illnesses commit suicide each year, but the issue is being neglected by government and health services, says think-tank Demos.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmlDisabled people and carers have been caused "fear and distress" after an internet forum they use was taken down after disability assessment firm Atos Healthcare threatened to sue for libel.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117336/councils-withdrawing-social-workers-from-mental-health-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117336/councils-withdrawing-social-workers-from-mental-health-teams.htmlMental health services risk becoming fragmented and put under increased pressure by councils withdrawing social workers from integrated teams, NHS leaders have warned. Steve Shrubb (pictured), director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network, is one who has voiced his concern that more councils will follow.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117328/women-present-new-homelessness-and-mental-health-problem.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117328/women-present-new-homelessness-and-mental-health-problem.htmlHomelessness agencies in London are facing a problem of middle-aged and older women with undiagnosed mental health problems sleeping rough but refusing offers of help. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlPlymouth Council has stripped local Unison officials of their negotiating powers after the two organisations failed to reach a collective agreement on new terms and conditions, which will affect social workers. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmlA third Castlebeck learning disability service will close after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified serious failings in areas, including safeguarding and staff recruitment. Castlebeck chief executive Lee Reed (pictured) said the provider was working to ensure that there was "minimum disruption" to the care of residents at the Solihull setting.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmlEight in 10 social workers have witnessed abuse in adult residential care homes, a British Association of Social Workers (BASW) survey has discovered. Many described it as "extreme abuse", which BASW said suggested the scenes filmed by Panorama at Winterbourne View (pictured).Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117283/risk-factor-is-therapy-needed-for-a-boy-to-live-in-foster-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117283/risk-factor-is-therapy-needed-for-a-boy-to-live-in-foster-care.htmlTherapy is being considered for a boy of 12 who has been neglected and abused in foster care but still wants to live with his foster mother. Mark Drinkwater reportsWed, 17 Aug 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117291/service-users-doubtful-over-nhs-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117291/service-users-doubtful-over-nhs-personal-budgets.htmlPersonal health budgets are at risk of failure in mental health after service users joined professionals in voicing doubts about the flagship policy to boost choice in NHS.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlSocial workers will be honoured at the Houses of Parliament on 16 December when the House of Lords hosts the Social Worker of the Year Awards.Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117286/detained-mental-health-patients-treated-without-authorisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117286/detained-mental-health-patients-treated-without-authorisation.htmlDetained mental health patients in Scotland are being treated without proper authorisation or consent, exposing a lack of training for staff in psychiatric wards. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117284/social-services-must-house-homeless-mental-health-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117284/social-services-must-house-homeless-mental-health-clients.htmlHomeless torture and trauma victims should have better access to accommodation from social services after a court ruling today, say campaigners.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117282/rioters-stop-social-workers-doing-their-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117282/rioters-stop-social-workers-doing-their-jobs.htmlThe London riots have prevented mental health social workers carrying out planned assessments because police have been unavailable to help them as they are called away to deal with the disturbances.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmlAdult social services are facing increased pressures and families higher care bills due to NHS cuts to continuing healthcare, warn social care leaders.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlSome incidents are unavoidable in care settings, but which ones must be reported to the Care Quality Commission? Vern Pitt reports Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/09/117274/many-mental-health-patients-unaware-of-their-care-co-ordinator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/09/117274/many-mental-health-patients-unaware-of-their-care-co-ordinator.htmlAn increasing number of mental health patients do not know who their care co-ordinator is, according to the Care Quality Commission's latest survey of people using community mental health services. CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) raised concerns that many service users felt some of their needs were not being met.Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/06/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/06/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmlMinisters and the Care Quality Commission are coming under pressure to ditch the planned "excellence award" scheme for adult care providers after the idea was universally condemned by sector bodies in a consultation.Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlCouncils have been slammed for denying clients choice and control after Community Care's personalisation survey found restrictions being placed on the use of personal budgets for items including holidays and computer equipment.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114518/rolling-out-personalisation-to-mental-health-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114518/rolling-out-personalisation-to-mental-health-service-users.htmlA project led by Mind to tackle the low take-up of self-directed support among mental health service users has returned some positive results, writes Jeremy Dunning Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlAs our survey finds social workers are facing ever more red tape, Jeremy Dunning asks why bureaucracy is derailing personalisation and what can be done to rescue the policy Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlSeveral client groups, including older people and those with mental health problems, continue to face barriers in gaining personal budgets, say social care professionals. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has ordered investigations into regulatory and safeguarding failings by the Care Quality Commission and local authorities in relation to the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama yesterday. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmlHome care services in the UK are breaching older people’s human rights, the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned today. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has been accused of offering poor value after it raised providers' fees while slashing the number of inspections it carries out.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlThe Care Quality Commission's risk-based approach to regulating care services has been called into question, following revelations of abuse of people with learning disabilities in a specialist hospital. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlMore than one-third of prison governors believe the quality of social care in their prison is below average or poor, research by Community Care has revealed. In a Prison Governors Association (PGA) survey, 40% of respondents also said prisoners provided social care in their prison. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlIn a response to the Winterbourne View case, autism and mental health hospital manager Mark Goldsborough discusses some of the challenges of safeguarding vulnerable adults in hospital settings and how they can be overcome. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117255/mental-health-leaders-slam-move-to-scrap-depression-targets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117255/mental-health-leaders-slam-move-to-scrap-depression-targets.htmlPeople with depression could face "damaging consequences" from "reckless" plans to remove three performance indicators designed to encourage GPs to identify and treat people with the condition. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmlCastlebeck is to overhaul its management in the wake of the abuse scandal at Winterbourne View (pictured), chief executive Lee Reed has pledged in an exclusive interview with Community Care.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmlCommissioners have withdrawn people with learning disabilities from Castlebeck facilities following safety concerns after the uncovering of alleged abuse at the provider's Winterbourne View hospital.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlNearly half of Castlebeck services are failing to meet essential standards of quality and safety, a report by the Care Quality Commission, sparked by the Winterbourne View case (pictured), has revealed. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmlA project in Manchester is cutting reoffending among mentally ill offenders by helping them engage with mental health and substance misuse services, reports Mithran Samuel Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.html"Unacceptable" failings by the government's disability benefit assessment company have led to people being without benefits for months, MPs have said. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlIT company Face's managing director, Dr Paul Clifford responds to the accusation that personalisation assessment process has led to more bureaucracy Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmlFamilies would be freer to purchase unregulated domiciliary care services on behalf of loved-ones who hold personal budgets under government plans issued today to cut red tape. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmlCastlebeck could face fines for “misleading” the Care Quality Commission about the alleged abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne View hospital, an inspection report has concluded. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmlAdult social care services would be inspected at least once a year under Care Quality Commission plans to call time on "light-touch" regulation. Currently, services are inspected at least once every two years. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117178/social-workers-failings-left-dementia-sufferer-in-squalor.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117178/social-workers-failings-left-dementia-sufferer-in-squalor.htmlSocial workers have been criticised for allowing an elderly woman with dementia to be left in filthy conditions.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmlCare minister Paul Burstow has slammed primary care trusts for failing carers after a survey revealed more than 90% had failed to produce plans on spending their share of an additional £400m of government cash for carers' breaks.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlChildren's social workers will no longer be held to prescribed timescales for assessments and the distinction between initial and core assessments will be removed by the end of this year, the government has said in its official response to Eileen Munro's review of child protection. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmlAndrew Dilnot's call for a significant injection of cash to reform social care came in a week where the funding shortages ravaging the current system were laid bare. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117142/mental-health-needs-of-ethnic-minority-children-overlooked.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117142/mental-health-needs-of-ethnic-minority-children-overlooked.htmlAgencies, including social services, are "systematically failing" to address the mental health needs of black and minority ethnic (BME) children and young people, according to a report by The Afiya Trust. Picture: AlamyFri, 08 Jul 2011 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmlCuts to adult social care are set to get worse in 2012-13 following big reductions in funding this year, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Peter Hay (pictured) warned today. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmlThe "vast majority" of the residents of Winterbourne View have been placed in other learning disability hospitals, despite overwhelming sector opposition to the use of such facilities.Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117127/man-left-in-squalor-and-pain-failed-by-mental-health-team.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117127/man-left-in-squalor-and-pain-failed-by-mental-health-team.htmlA community mental health service has been castigated for leaving a vulnerable patient to live in squalor and pain because it failed to monitor him or respond to signs he was at risk.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlPolicy-makers and researchers must understand each other better if practice is to be truly influenced by evidence. By Jon Glasby Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117106/schizophrenia-linked-with-sexual-abuse-in-childhood.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117106/schizophrenia-linked-with-sexual-abuse-in-childhood.htmlChildren who are sexually abused before they are 16 are 10 times more likely to develop schizophrenia in later life, according to research published today.Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117105/cuts-to-homelessness-support-causing-wider-community-strife.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117105/cuts-to-homelessness-support-causing-wider-community-strife.htmlHomeless people are losing access to vital support because most services are facing cuts, a survey by umbrella body Homeless Link has found. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmlThe government has shelved plans to remove social care duties placed upon councils, after an outcry from Community Care readers. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has warned that it would be premature to reform the Care Quality Commission, despite sector leaders' criticisms of the regulator's role and remit.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117090/mental-health-social-work-faces-mounting-staffing-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117090/mental-health-social-work-faces-mounting-staffing-gap.htmlMental health social work in Scotland could be facing a crisis due to substantial cuts in the number of staff training to be mental health officers, amid rising levels of retirement.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has asked the government for a 10% boost to its budget so that it can make more inspections. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) said the money would pay for more inspectors and experts to work alongside them.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmlA member of staff at the Care Quality Commission has already been disciplined, following the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmlMore money and expertise is to be ploughed into dementia research over the next five years, the government announced today, fufiling a key coalition pledge. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmlFamilies of learning disabled people allegedly abused at Winterbourne View are to sue Castlebeck, the company that runs the hospital. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmlHealth social enterprises are unlikely to deliver savings, the National Audit Office has warned. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmlVulnerable people will lose vital support from the government's decision to press ahead with plans to scrap a national system of poverty payments, warn charities. Picture: AlamyFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117066/book-review-spirituality-and-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117066/book-review-spirituality-and-mental-health.htmlThis book emphasises the importance of assessing and treating people with mental health problems in a holistic manner, paying particular attention to any spiritual needs, which are so often ignored in mainstream psychiatric services, writes Tina Coldham. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmlThe Welsh government has stepped in to save a landmark partnership agreement between councils and social care providers following a spate of rows over care fees. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmlLearning disability experts have today urged David Cameron to bring an end to hospital placements for the client group in a blueprint to prevent abuse and improve care following the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117051/mental-health-wards-failing-patients-warns-royal-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117051/mental-health-wards-failing-patients-warns-royal-college.htmlMental health in-patient services are failing due to overcrowding, unsafe environments and a lack of therapy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlThe Winterbourne View learning disability hospital is to close this week, three weeks BBC Panorama screened scenes of abuse there following an undercover investigation. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlAiling care home operator Southern Cross has agreed to work together with its landlords to try to find a future for the group. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlSocial workers will have a positive impact on the NHS through plans to involve them in health commissioning under the government's revamped NHS reforms, the College of Social Work has said. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmlPrime minister David Cameron today accepted experts' proposals to overhaul the government's health reforms, including by involving social care professionals in the commissioning of healthcare. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlDavid Cameron has been urged to give social workers a role in health commissioning decisions by experts tasked with revamping the government's NHS bill. He will give his response today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmlPolice have made two more arrests in connection with the Winterbourne View learning disability abuse scandal, bringing the total to 11. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmlA council breached a 21-year-old autistic man's human rights by refusing to allow him to be placed in the care of his father, the High Court has ruled. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmlFive more people have been arrested in relation to the Winterbourne View abuse inquiry, bringing the total to nine, Avon and Somerset Police have said. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has refused to rule out an independent inquiry into the Castlebeck abuse case, following Labour accusations of "confusion" from government on the issue. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlDavid Cameron has announced an overhaul of the NHS reforms designed to address criticisms that the government's original plans would fragment care, to the detriment of vulnerable groups. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmlEd Miliband today called for talks with David Cameron on care funding reform following next month's Dilnot commission report, to avoid a repeat of last year's pre-election hostility on the issue. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmlThe government's NHS reforms could make abuse cases like the Winterbourne View scandal (pictured) more likely, experts have warned. Picture: BBC/PanoramaFri, 03 Jun 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlThe Castlebeck abuse case could be the "tip of the iceberg" because of poor training for people working with challenging clients, social care trainers have warned. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlLandlords are set to reject Southern Cross's ultimatum of accepting a 30% rent cut, Community Care understands. Instead, rival care home operators are actively planning on taking over the running of the homes.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmlThe learning disability hospital at the centre of an abuse scandal, Winterbourne View in Bristol, is to be closed by the Care Quality Commission, Community Care has learned.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlThere will be no government reviews of Care Quality Commission or safeguarding failings regarding the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama this week.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmlSocial care leaders have warned David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband to avoid political in-fighting and reach a consensus on the funding of long-term care when the Dilnot commission reports next month. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmlFour people have been arrested after the BBC revealed shocking abuse at a hospital for people with learning disabilities. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlSeveral learning disability hospitals are to face unannounced inspections after abuse was uncovered at one unit by BBC's Panorama programme. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlPersonalisation implies that personal budgets should be tailored to the needs of the individual. But some councils appear to be restricting users to direct payments, finds Natalie Valios Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlCouncils are pushing service users into taking direct payments on cost grounds, say social work leaders.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are still not equipped with the skills to deliver person-centred care, with knowledge about personal assistants considerably lacking.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116901/social-care-can-benefit-from-health-bill-delay-says-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116901/social-care-can-benefit-from-health-bill-delay-says-adass.htmlSocial care can benefit from the likely delay in the government's health reforms, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president, Peter Hay, has said. Fri, 27 May 2011 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlThe government's health legislation faces being further delayed until the autumn risking confusion for social workers re-registering next year if it puts back the abolition of the General Social Care Council. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116887/hospitals-slammed-for-poor-nutritional-care-of-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116887/hospitals-slammed-for-poor-nutritional-care-of-elderly.html"Unacceptable" failures by hospitals to meet older people's nutritional and dignity needs have been uncovered by the Care Quality Commission.Thu, 26 May 2011 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlSocial care professionals' support for personalisation has plummeted, Community Care's latest personalisation survey, commissioned by Unison has revealed. Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) said: "People still believe in personalisation, but it's increasingly difficult to make it happen." Wed, 25 May 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmlA significant minority of English councils have made slow progress on personalisation despite the three-year cash injection of £520m to drive it, say social care professionals. Wed, 25 May 2011 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmlMany councils could have their adult social care budgets ruled illegal on the back of a High Court judgement yesterday, the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has warned. Mon, 23 May 2011 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlThe College of Social Work and their counterparts at BASW - the College of Social Work have agreed to work together to merge into a single, UK-wide organisation. Fran Fuller, chair of BASW, (pictured) said the agreement was in the "best interests of the profession". Fri, 20 May 2011 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmlSocial workers are considering leaving the profession because of the burden of bureaucracy.Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlPractitioners throughout the UK will be able to celebrate their achievements by entering the revamped Social Worker of the Year Awards, to be launched at Community Care Live today. Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmlCarers save the UK £119bn a year, more than the entire cost of the NHS in England, a study published today by Carers UK has found. Thu, 12 May 2011 01:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmlRestrictions on giving service users direct payments to buy long-term residential care should be abolished to increase choice and control, today's Law Commission report on the reform of adult social care law has proposed.Wed, 11 May 2011 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmlThe Law Commission has failed to recommend giving social workers powers to enter people's homes to help investigate adult abuse, in its proposed reforms to adult care law.Wed, 11 May 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlLegal analyst Ed Mitchell gives his verdict on the Law Commission's proposals for the biggest shake-up in adult social care law in 60 years. Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmlCharities have demanded an overhaul of the test of eligibility for sickness benefit on the basis that it is failing people with fluctuating conditions. Wed, 11 May 2011 00:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116763/disabled-fear-pressure-to-die-if-assisted-suicide-is-legalised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116763/disabled-fear-pressure-to-die-if-assisted-suicide-is-legalised.htmlVulnerable people would come under pressure to end their lives prematurely if assisted suicide were legalised, fear disabled people. Mon, 09 May 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmlDisabled people may be failed by the government's new flagship scheme for getting unemployed people back to work. Mon, 09 May 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmlHonesty can be difficult when it comes to admitting to mental illness. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmlEXCLUSIVE: The transfer of social care services from councils to private providers has been bad for the sector, and government plans to go further in this direction risk wreaking future damage, say professionals. Thu, 05 May 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114404/good-practice-dimensions-journey-to-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114404/good-practice-dimensions-journey-to-personalisation.htmlIn 2008, care provider Dimensions decided to transform itself in line with the personalisation agenda. It has now recounted its journey in a book. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 03 May 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmlAdult care providers have seen a 70% drop in inspections by the Care Quality Commission in the past year, a fall described as "frightening and unacceptable" by Gary FitzGerald (pictured), chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, and prompting fears for the welfare of service users. Tue, 03 May 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmlWelsh councils fear a new £50 cap on weekly community care charges will increase costs and demand for services, according to a new report. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlScotland's political parties are vying for the votes of carers by presenting manifestos targeted at them. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmlSocial workers and sector leaders have told ministers to retain councils' duties to assess and provide social care, in response to a consultation - ordered by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) - that proposed abolishing them.Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlLabour and Scottish National Party plans to merge health and social care would cost £300m and simply "change the badge on a social care worker's shirt", local government leaders have warned on the eve of the Scottish Parliament elections. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmlBirmingham Council's plan to raise eligibility thresholds to critical has been overturned after a judge ruled it unlawful. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.html Funding cuts are forcing homelessness projects to cut bed numbers and rely more on volunteers and part-time staff, research finds today. The annual...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116712/childrens-mental-health-service-cuts-a-false-economy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116712/childrens-mental-health-service-cuts-a-false-economy.htmlFailure to invest in preventive child mental health services is a false economy, a government-commissioned report has found - at a time the coalition is being blamed for cuts in the sector.Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmlAdult care departments in England have made cuts worth about £1bn this year to cope with rising demand and tight budget settlements from government.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmlFifteen charities have slammed the government's consultation on scrapping national poverty payments, accusing it of containing "no analysis" of the needs of vulnerable recipients who stand to be driven deeper into poverty. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmlCharities could seize social care services in Wales from the private sector, under plans put forward by Welsh Labour today. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmlDisabled people could be stranded in unemployment because jobs support services are being devastated by local authority spending cuts, a study has found.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlCouncil leaders have called for face-to-face talks with health secretary Andrew Lansley to answer local authority concerns about his NHS reforms and ensure they do not fail vulnerable groups. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116675/social-work-reform-improving-intervention-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116675/social-work-reform-improving-intervention-skills.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers. In the latest instalment in our series, Daniel Lombard looks at how one practitioner decided to improve her intervention skills Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlSocial work assistants are being asked to take on more complex cases because of the cuts hitting councils, interim findings of a survey have suggested. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlSocial workers in six councils have been promised more freedom to work with service users independently of local authorities by piloting social work practices for adult social care. "Our plans will free-up front line social workers to do what they do best: help people maintain their independence," said care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured). Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlCouncils are wrong to cull social workers in their drive to implement self-directed care, the joint head of a new sector-wide partnership to promote personalisation has warned.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmlCouncils that fail to deliver on personalisation could face government or Care Quality Commission intervention if they refuse support from within the social care sector to improve. This warning came from Richard Jones (pictured), the outgoing president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlNearly one in 10 social care staff is paid below the national minimum wage, a report by the Low Pay Commission has shown. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmlRadical plans to merge health and adult social care are at the heart of the Scottish election campaign, with all of the major parties putting forward proposals to bring the two services together. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116607/child-protection-versus-parental-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116607/child-protection-versus-parental-mental-health-services.htmlIn the absence of a national strategy, Julie Griffiths looks at the problems impacting on the co-operation between children's social workers and adult mental health professionals Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmlPeter Hay will not be lobbying the coalition government for a change in direction on cuts as he takes up the reins as president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmlPeople from ethnic minorities remain disproportionately represented on mental health wards with no signs of this reducing, the Care Quality Commission revealed today. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) responded by calling for more collaboration between health and social care agencies.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116624/degree-fails-to-equip-students-with-mental-health-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116624/degree-fails-to-equip-students-with-mental-health-skills.htmlMost social workers and students think the social work degree fails to equip them to support people with mental health problems, research by the General Social Care Council has shown. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlLabour leader Ed Miliband has urged the government to withdraw its "reckless" NHS reforms amid speculation that ministers will offer concessions to allay concerns. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmlThe government has rejected a national payment by results scheme for adult social care after it faced unanimous opposition from sector leaders. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlA council has recruited the UK’s first social work dog. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlMost councils say they are protecting children's and adults' services above all other services in the face of the 2011-12 budget cuts, a Local Government Association survey has shown. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence presents findings from research into supporting older people and adults with mental health problems using personal budgets Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmlCouncils' power to cut services on cost grounds without an assessment of needs could be overturned by the Supreme Court next week, after the right to an appeal was granted in a landmark case.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmlAdults' entitlements to social care have been thrown a lifeline following communities secretary Eric Pickles' controversial decision to put all council care duties under review, Community Care has learned. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmlAlmost a quarter of adult care users or carers have had their services cut before the full impact of government reductions in council budgets starts being felt from 1 April onwards, leading charities have found. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116576/watchdog-axe-will-deny-justice-to-mental-health-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116576/watchdog-axe-will-deny-justice-to-mental-health-patients.htmlDetained mental health patients face being denied fair access to justice under government plans to axe a key watchdog, its head has warned. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116570/5-fall-in-adults-receiving-council-funded-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116570/5-fall-in-adults-receiving-council-funded-social-care.htmlThe number of adults receiving council-funded care fell by 5% last year, it has been revealed, amid concerns about tightening eligibility criteria. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116566/mental-health-clients-distressed-by-appeal-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116566/mental-health-clients-distressed-by-appeal-delays.htmlThere are too many delays when patients appeal to a tribunal against their detention under the Mental Health Act, according to a ground-breaking report. CQC chair Dame Jo Williams (pictured) said it was important patients felt they had been fairly treated by the tribunal.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116557/5m-plan-to-divert-mental-health-clients-from-prison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116557/5m-plan-to-divert-mental-health-clients-from-prison.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley and justice secretary Ken Clarke (pictured) have launched a pilot £5m programme to help divert offenders with mental health problems away from prison. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116565/mental-health-patients-left-naked-and-suffer-overcrowding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116565/mental-health-patients-left-naked-and-suffer-overcrowding.htmlMental health patients are being held unclothed in seclusion and denied access to toilets in overcrowded wards, inspectors have found. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmlMore than 500 councillors in England have signed a letter urging all town halls to rethink cuts to programmes that provide housing-related support to vulnerable people. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlThe coalition wants all users on personal budgets by 2013 but with older people and those with mental health problems left behind and resources drying up, the future of personalisation is in doubt. Jeremy Dunning reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116543/head-of-scrapped-mental-health-agency-questions-its-abolition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116543/head-of-scrapped-mental-health-agency-questions-its-abolition.htmlThe government's decision to scrap its lead mental health agency without creating an equivalent body has been questioned by the organisation's outgoing director, Ian McPherson (pictured) Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmlMental health social workers and other professionals are unconvinced that personal health budgets will deliver improvements for service users, NHS leaders and health civil servants warned today.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116517/vulnerable-people-at-risk-unless-council-gp-links-improved.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116517/vulnerable-people-at-risk-unless-council-gp-links-improved.htmlA King's Fund report published today raises significant questions about the Andrew Lansley's (pictured) Health and Social Care Bill and GPs’ readiness to take on a wider role, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne's Budget today boosted the Big Society, but there were no new duties on alcohol and no let up in the government's programme of cuts.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmlPlans set out today to curb the powers of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission have raised concerns at the fairness watchdog.Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116498/one-in-seven-mental-health-staff-subject-to-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116498/one-in-seven-mental-health-staff-subject-to-violence.htmlOne in seven mental health workers suffered physical violence from service users or members of the public last year, official figures have shown. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlThe government's drive to outsource social care and other public services risks damaging service quality, weakening accountability and harming working conditions, a report has said. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmlHealth and adult social care funding in England should be integrated nationally and locally to prevent bed blocking and conflicts over resources, a King's Fund report said today. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116451/detained-mental-health-patients-denied-right-to-advocacy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116451/detained-mental-health-patients-denied-right-to-advocacy.htmlDetained mental health patients are losing out on their right to independent advocacy because of underfunding and inadequate commissioning, campaigners have found. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlWith the law so unclear, professional intervention in cases of self-neglect can be fraught with difficulties. Yet, as Vern Pitt reports, the pressure on social workers to 'do something' is great Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlSelf-neglect cases frequently end up on social workers' desks because other agencies do not know what to do with them, while the public and press expect action.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlGovernment attempts to curb council duties to support disabled people would be fought "tooth and nail", the architect of many of those duties has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmlThe number of deprivation of liberty safeguard applications for people lacking capacity varies widely between local authorities, two reports show.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116465/nhs-reforms-put-dementia-care-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116465/nhs-reforms-put-dementia-care-at-risk.htmlThe government's NHS overhaul could put dementia care at risk because of gaps in GPs' knowledge about the condition, a report warned today.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign called for the ­condition to be made a political priority. The coalition has done this but the sector is pressing for more progress, finds Mithran Samuel Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlAbolishing councils' legal duties to provide social care would breach human rights law, a lawyer has warned after communities secretary Eric Pickles floated the idea. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlMPs have condemned the government for consulting on the removal of statutory social care duties, branding the moves "terrifying" and "unthinkable". Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlThe government will take social care "back to year zero" if it removes duties on councils to support service users, as part of the war on "barmy" rules declared by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured). Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116423/cuts-threaten-schemes-to-keep-vulnerable-women-out-of-prison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116423/cuts-threaten-schemes-to-keep-vulnerable-women-out-of-prison.htmlWork to divert women with mental health problems from prison could be at risk if funding is lost from community services to help address their offending, an expert has warned.Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlCouncils throughout England are slashing services as a result of their budgets being cut. Jeremy Dunning, Kirsty McGregor and Molly Garboden examine the impact on four authoritiesWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlHospitals are treating patients with dementia unlawfully by failing to apply safeguards for those who lack capacity to consent, Scotland's mental health watchdog said today. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlMore than 100 prominent social care academics and policy experts have urged the governments to drop its plans for welfare reform because they say the plans will penalise disabled people.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council has ditched plans to set the country's highest adult care eligibility threshold following opposition from disability groups. Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116386/council-to-move-mental-health-workers-out-of-specialist-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116386/council-to-move-mental-health-workers-out-of-specialist-teams.htmlMental health practitioners on the Isle of Wight are alarmed by the council's proposal to move them out of specialist teams, according to a local union representative.Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116365/half-a-million-to-live-with-undiagnosed-dementia-by-2021.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116365/half-a-million-to-live-with-undiagnosed-dementia-by-2021.htmlMore than half a million people will be living undiagnosed with dementia in the UK by 2021, with a postcode lottery for diagnosis.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlJoint health and social care arrangements are at risk from government plans to merge primary care trusts, sector leaders have warned in a letter to health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured).Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116344/adult-mental-health-care-to-lose-out-to-camhs-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116344/adult-mental-health-care-to-lose-out-to-camhs-as-cuts-bite.htmlAdult mental health care may lose out to children's services as the NHS seeks to make cuts and meet government priorities, mental health leaders, including Steve Shrubb (pictured), are warning. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmlThe UK faces a 100,000 shortage in care home beds by 2020 because of council cuts and the ageing society, Bupa warned today. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlMental health social workers are "angry" about job and service cuts that are undermining their ability to care and increasing workloads, a social work chief has said.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlHow many of your clients receive disability living allowance? How will it affect them – and you – if the DLA budget for people of working-age is slashed by 20% in three to four years time.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116333/nhs-cuts-will-put-pressure-on-social-care-warns-union.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116333/nhs-cuts-will-put-pressure-on-social-care-warns-union.htmlSocial care will come under increasing pressure and mental health patients will suffer on the back of the 50,000 NHS jobs cuts revealed today, campaigners have warned.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlMental health trusts are planning acute jobs cuts with some planning to shed 15% from their workforces, it was revealed today. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116324/social-care-professionals-fail-to-spot-alcohol-misusers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116324/social-care-professionals-fail-to-spot-alcohol-misusers.htmlSocial care and health professionals are failing to identify people who are dependent on alcohol, meaning the vast majority are not in treatment.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmlCouncils could make huge savings by identifying people at risk of requiring high-cost social care in future, through a new IT tool. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116309/council-plans-to-cut-social-workers-pay-by-over-1000.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116309/council-plans-to-cut-social-workers-pay-by-over-1000.htmlSouthampton Council has approved plans to slash social workers' pay by more than £1,300 with cuts ranging from 4.5% to 5%. (pic Alamy)Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmlThe government's impact assessment of its £2bn cut to disability living allowance has been slammed for failing to assess how many people will lose support, nine months after the policy was announced.Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlWelsh care providers have hailed plans to curb individual councils' role in social care as a "victory for common sense", after the Welsh government announced a 10-year plan for social services today. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlDisabled people will be the big losers in the government's overhaul of the benefits system unveiled today in the Welfare Reform Bill. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmlCampaigners say care users are not being given a say in cuts to their services, but councils risk legal action if they fail to consult properly on their plans. Vern Pitt reports Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmlAdult care directors are seeking "urgent" talks with the Care Quality Commission over concerns that a new ratings system for providers will reduce scrutiny of services, to the detriment of users. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlPlans to slash social care management posts at three London councils, including Westminster (pictured) by merging departments risk costing them more in the long-term, experts have warned. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlThree Tory-led London boroughs will slash management posts across children's and adults' services by creating single departments for both, as part of moves to save £35m. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116237/ministers-risk-raising-false-hope-among-mentally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116237/ministers-risk-raising-false-hope-among-mentally-ill.htmlMinisters risk raising false hopes among thousands of mentally ill people by pledging universal access to talking therapies without the means to enforce this, says an ex-adviser (Professor David Richards, pictured) sacked for speaking out over the issue.Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116234/doubts-over-therapy-pledge-mars-mental-health-strategy-aims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116234/doubts-over-therapy-pledge-mars-mental-health-strategy-aims.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) launched the government's mental health strategy last week with high ambitions to improve care. However, the sacking of adviser Professor David Richards for speaking out over the strategy has exposed doubts in the government's claims.Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlThe government has admitted it risks undermining its plans to help one million people recover from mental health problems because of massive cuts in civil service expertise. The plans were announced today by health secretary Andrew Lansley in the government's mental health strategy. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116211/government-invests-400m-in-new-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116211/government-invests-400m-in-new-mental-health-strategy.htmlThe government has claimed that one million people with mental health problems will recover from their condition by 2014 because of their plans to invest £400m in psychological therapies, announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley today.Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116183/mental-health-stretched-to-the-limit-by-cuts-and-demand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116183/mental-health-stretched-to-the-limit-by-cuts-and-demand.htmlMental health services are being hit by rising demand and diminishing resources, reports Jeremy Dunning Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmlAn award-winning project in Scotland is shifting the balance of care from hospital to home support for people with severe mental health issues, reports Louise HuntFri, 28 Jan 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlCouncils could save money from end-of-life care packages by giving social workers more training in talking to people nearing death, a study reveals (Pic: Alamy).Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmlKent Council has been reported to the Audit Commission, accused of misleading the public in a consultation on care home closures.Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlSocial care professionals may be still trying to get their heads around the 367-page Health and Social Care Bill published last week, but their health colleagues appear to have already made up their minds about health secretary Andrew Lansley's plans. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlThe method of funding NHS hospitals may be extended to adult care. Gordon Carson examines payment by results' prospects Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlCouncils are failing to respond adequately to allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) warned today in its annual report. (Picture: Rex, model released) Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmlPlans to increase competition in the NHS risk harming the care of vulnerable patients, health professionals warned today as the government published its Health and Social Care Bill.Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlInformation technology could help adult social care departments to combat the severe financial and demographic pressures they face. But it may be some time before savings are fully quantified and realised, finds Gordon Carson, who looks at three contrasting uses of computer power Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116117/alzheimers-drugs-restrictions-to-be-lifted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116117/alzheimers-drugs-restrictions-to-be-lifted.htmlAlzheimer's campaigners claimed victory today after the NHS drugs watchdog proposed to overturn restrictions on treatments for the condition.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmlSelf-funders are shunning social services because of perceived stigma and those who do seek help have their low expectations repeatedly reinforced, a damning report concluded today.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmlCouncils can avoid slashing adult care services and improving user outcomes by commissioning a new integrated offer combining home care, telecare and home adaptations, claim the providers behind the initiative.Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmlThe re-emergence of bed-blocking as an issue, amid growing difficulty devising support packages for those ready to leave hospital, has inevitably started a blame game between health and social care (Image: Rex). Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/14/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/14/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmlHalf of working disability living allowance (DLA) claimants will have to stop working if they are deemed ineligible for the benefit as a result of proposed cuts, a survey has found. The results were released at the start of a three-day online campaign - One Month Before Heartbreak - against the cuts.Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmlSupporting People services are facing average cuts of 17% next year, hitting vulnerable groups such as mental health patients and homeless people (pictured, credit Rex, model released).Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116093/concerns-at-closure-of-mental-health-policy-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116093/concerns-at-closure-of-mental-health-policy-body.htmlThe government's decision to scrap its main mental health agency has sparked concern in the sector that support to improve services will be withdrawn.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlVoluntary social care organisations are being devastated by public spending cuts that threaten to undermine the government's Big Society agenda, research by Community Care reveals. (Picture: the Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre may see cuts)Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116083/sharp-rise-in-number-detained-under-mental-health-act.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116083/sharp-rise-in-number-detained-under-mental-health-act.htmlThe number of people in England detained under the Mental Health Act rose by nearly one-third last year, figures released today show.Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116078/mental-health-patient-who-killed-mother-received-poor-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116078/mental-health-patient-who-killed-mother-received-poor-care.htmlStretched staffing resources contributed to failings in the care of a mental health patient, who later went on to kill his mother, 84-year-old Margaret Ford, a review found today.Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmlCuts to social care and benefits will see the living standards of the poorest half of disabled people in Norfolk drop by more than a third over the next four years, a study out today reveals (Image: Rex). Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmlSocial care leaders have rebuffed claims this week that bed-blocking is on the rise because of councils' failure to provide sufficient social care servicesThu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116050/vat-rise-will-hit-charity-social-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116050/vat-rise-will-hit-charity-social-care-services.htmlToday's rise in VAT to 20% will cut the amount of social care that charities can deliver, Sue Ryder Care has warned.Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlAdult social care and children's services in Northern Ireland face significant job losses amid concern that a small growth in expenditure will be insufficient to meet rising demand.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116040/veterans-need-specialist-mental-health-services-says-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116040/veterans-need-specialist-mental-health-services-says-report.htmlCare specialists with knowledge of the armed forces should be used to support armed forces veterans with mental health conditions.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlCare workers and bosses are this week celebrating a "huge victory" after the government's temporary immigration cap was ruled illegal and quashed on Friday. The High Court decision means many overseas care workers could have work permits reinstated after having had them removed. (Image from Rex) Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmlThe Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) guidance has formed the basis for deciding whether people are eligible for adult social care in England for the past seven years, but there are now concerns over whether it remains valid. Andrew Cozens, of the Local Government Association, and Ruth Cartwright, of the British Association of Social Workers, (pictured) agree there is a problem, but they differ on the extent of it.Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/16/116032/dementia-training-lacking-in-most-hospitals-study-shows.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/16/116032/dementia-training-lacking-in-most-hospitals-study-shows.htmlJust 5% of hospitals in England and Wales require staff to undertake any specialist dementia training, research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows.Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmlHelping mental health patients to support each other through peer support services could both improve outcomes and save money, according to clinical psychologist Dr Rachel Perkins. She spoke to Jeremy Dunning Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlThe government will press ahead with its overhaul of the NHS but has responded to concerns that it will disrupt joint working between health and social care by strengthening proposed partnership arrangements.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlPrimary care trusts will be merged into "clusters" next year ahead of their abolition in 2013, the government announced today.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlCouncils in England will lose an average of 4.4% in revenue next year due to Whitehall cuts, the government has announced, leading to fears for the future of social work services. Communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) told MPs that no authority would see its spending power cut by more than 9%.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlEdinburgh Council will struggle to maintain its social care provision after being one of the worst hit by the Scottish government's local authorities settlement, the lead member for social care has warned.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlSuffolk Council plans to integrate adults' and children's social care and health services into outsourced "trusts" as it radically reshapes services.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlMinister for disabled people, Maria Miller, has said she does not know how many disabled people will be affected by government plans to reform disability living allowance (DLA), or how much the changes will cost.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmlAn additional 20,000 disabled people in residential care are set to lose benefits worth up to £50 a week, according to revised government estimates. Picture: Fotex/Rex Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmlDisability living allowance will be scrapped and replaced by a benefit with tighter eligibility criteria, under government plans announced today. (Picture: Rex)Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlThe government will divert more offenders with mental health or drug problems into treatment and test giving councils responsibility for youth custody in order to reduce jail numbers, under plans announced by justice secretary Ken Clarke today. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmlImpending public spending cuts have left charity leaders' confidence in their financial future at a record low, according to a survey published today by sector body the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmlHomelessness charities are urging pan-capital organisation London Councils to reverse its decision to end funding for 28 services for single homeless people. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmlProposals to establish a country-wide eligibility threshold in Wales have been heralded as a means of ending the postcode lottery for adult social care.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlMany more councils could move to a super-critical eligibility threshold for care, following Birmingham Council's proposal to do so, according to sector heads.Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlPlans to outsource adult social workers from councils to social enterprises could enable practitioners to become user advocates, rather than gatekeepers of careFri, 03 Dec 2010 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlCarers are missing out on over £840m in benefits each year, Carers UK revealed today. On the annual Carers Rights Day, the charity said that about 300,000 people entitled to carer's allowance were missing out on the benefit. "We hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them," said Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured). Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmlSocial care staff have been battling snow and ice to provide services to frail and vulnerable people.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115927/nhs-reforms-could-put-mental-health-savings-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115927/nhs-reforms-could-put-mental-health-savings-at-risk.htmlMental health services in England can enhance care and save hundreds of millions of pounds a year through measures including cutting unnecessary hospital bed use and out-of-area placements, research has found. However, such productivity improvements could be put at risk by the government's reforms to the NHS and a lack of joint working, the report by think-tank the King's Fund and charity the Centre for Mental Health said. Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council would outsource all its adult social workers to a social enterprise and set the country's tightest eligibility threshold for care, under cost-cutting plans announced yesterday. (Pic: Rex Features)Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115914/personalisation-shift-could-save-mental-health-services-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115914/personalisation-shift-could-save-mental-health-services-money.htmlMental health services can save money through a shift to more personalised provision but only if they invest in helping staff work better with patients.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmlA Bristol nursing home has suspended admissions and is facing legal action after inspectors found vulnerable residents were living in faeces-stained bedrooms and having their needs ignored, and staff were poorly trained and over-stretched. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlThe equality watchdog has said it will examine the impact of the government's spending review on disabled people, women and minority ethnic communities. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlGPs will get £6m worth of training over the next four years to help them identify carers earlier and tackle their health needs, the government has announced today. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlThe government is planning to hand councils responsibility for Social Fund poverty grants designed help people live independently. The move has prompted concerns about social workers' role from BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and other sector heads. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlCouncil performance in adult social care improved for the eighth year running in the final annual performance assessment for England, published today. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower praised the results but said councils need to strive to improve further.Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmlChanges to sickness benefit assessments, announced yesterday, will not make the system fit for purpose and cannot be delivered before the government starts reassessing 1.5m existing claimants, experts have warned. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmlService users who lose financial support from councils may be liable to substantial redundancy payments if they dismiss their personal assistants, an insurance company has warned. (Picture credit: Rex)Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmlThe government will press on with its timetable to reassess 1.5m incapacity benefit claimants on their fitness to work despite a review published today that exposes serious flaws in the assessment process.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmlThe Scottish government today laid out a 10-year plan to personalise the country's adult social care and support services through self-directed support.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmlThe assessment for people claiming sickness benefit will be overhauled after an independent review found that it was characterised by poor decision-making and a lack of transparency. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlCampaigners have warned that vulnerable people will suffer from government plans to remove legal aid from many social welfare cases. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlThe Scottish and Welsh governments have sought to protect social care from swingeing cuts in draft budgets that would see councils in the two countries face smaller reductions than counterparts in England.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmlThe government has ditched a duty on public bodies to take into account socio-economic inequalities when designing policies.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlMinisters have told councils to protect the frontline from spending cuts by outsourcing more services, cutting care management costs and shifting resources out of residential care into the community. (Picture: home care provision; credit Rex) Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has highlighted poor practice among some mental health providers. Gordon Carson finds out where improvements can be made Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmlDisability and mental health charities, as well as carers' groups, have questioned the feasibility of the government's welfare reform plans, published yesterday.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115802/400000-at-risk-as-councils-slash-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115802/400000-at-risk-as-councils-slash-supporting-people.htmlAbout 400,000 vulnerable people could lose vital support under projected cuts by councils to their Supporting People programmes, the National Housing Federation warned.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115794/use-of-heroin-and-crack-is-falling-sharply-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115794/use-of-heroin-and-crack-is-falling-sharply-study-finds.htmlThe use of intravenous drugs among young adults in England is declining rapidly according to a report by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115790/cqc-alarm-over-mental-health-services-at-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115790/cqc-alarm-over-mental-health-services-at-hospital.htmlMental health services at a community hospital in Wolverhampton are failing to comply with basic standards, the Care Quality Commission has warned. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115785/social-worker-jailed-for-sexually-abusing-girl.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115785/social-worker-jailed-for-sexually-abusing-girl.htmlA mental health social worker has been jailed for four years for sexually abusing a girl of eight. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmlAn investigation starts today into the protection of human rights of people receiving home care. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115769/most-dementia-patients-die-in-care-homes-figures-show.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115769/most-dementia-patients-die-in-care-homes-figures-show.htmlDementia patients are nearly twice as likely to die in a care home than those without the disease, a study published today has found.Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlDespite council reassurances to protect frontline services while making cuts Jeremy Dunning finds that a major scaling back is underway in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services is seeking an urgent meeting with government over its claim that councils have no excuse to cut adult care services over the coming years.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmlCouncils will get their hands on the majority of £1bn in annual NHS funding for social care over the next four years, and will be able to use it to help prop up existing care services, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlAdult social work practices could fragment support for older and disabled people, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmlExcessive adherence to European procurement rules, which are accused of swamping small-scale care providers with bureaucracy, is to be targeted in a new drive.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmlThe government will tell primary care trusts how they should spend £1bn in funding on social care to prevent it disappearing into NHS budgets, health secretary Andrew Lansley will tell social care leaders tomorrow.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmlPersonal budgets are unlikely to generate significant cost savings for local authorities and their implementation poses major financial challenges and risks, the Audit Commission warned today.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115699/reflective-practice-in-mental-health-book-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115699/reflective-practice-in-mental-health-book-review.html Reflective Practice in Mental Health ★★★★★ Editors: Martin Webber and Jack Nathan Published by: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010 ISBN:...Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmlNorfolk Council is risking a rift with the county's mental health trust over its plans to cut £53m from adult care over the next three years.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115682/cqc-mental-health-services-risk-breaching-patient-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115682/cqc-mental-health-services-risk-breaching-patient-rights.htmlMental health services risk breaching patients' human rights by placing unnecessary restrictions on their care, the Care Quality Commission warned today. Chief executive Cynthia Bower said the regulator had found 'unacceptable practice'.Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlThe £7bn cuts in benefit spending announced in the comprehensive spending review, along with £11bn in welfare cuts from the Budget, will have significant implications for social care, says Gary Vaux.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmlAdult care providers in England face a £3.3m hike in annual regulatory fees next year under proposals launched for consultation today by the Care Quality Commission.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmlDementia care leaders have produced a charter vowing to improve care across England over the next four years.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlUnions are concerned that a move by three London councils to merge will see social workers becoming remote from families and that more services will be privatised. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlHomelessness and poverty will rise on the back of cuts to housing funding and benefits announced in this week's comprehensive spending review (CSR), sector leaders have warned. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmlProfessor Martin Knapp examines key research findings in mental health Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlThree Tory councils have announced plans to merge all their service to save up to £100m a year.Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115632/paul-burstow-councils-have-no-excuse-to-cut-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115632/paul-burstow-councils-have-no-excuse-to-cut-adult-care.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has told councils that they have no excuse to cut adult social care despite yesterday's spending review delivering cuts of 28% to councils over the next four years.Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlAdult social care will receive an extra £2bn a year by 2014-15 to help the sector withstand massive cuts to council funding announced today by Chancellor George Osborne in the spending review.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115622/expansion-in-talking-therapies-announced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115622/expansion-in-talking-therapies-announced.htmlChancellor George Osborne today confirmed the government would expand access to talking therapies and invest in services to divert mentally ill offenders away from the justice system and into treatment. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlSocial care is facing its biggest funding cuts in decades as the government prepares to announce its comprehensive spending review at 12.30 today. (Pictured: chancellor George Osborne; credit: Rex)Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmlSocial care charities will need to become less reliant on public funding or go into partnership with each other to win public contracts if they are to survive a "maelstrom" of government cuts and funding changes.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115584/working-age-disabled-adults-could-bear-brunt-of-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115584/working-age-disabled-adults-could-bear-brunt-of-care-cuts.htmlDisabled adults of working age could bear the brunt of forthcoming adult care cuts because of council efforts to equalise the value of care packages between older and younger users, research has found. (Picture credit: Rex Features)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115593/assessment-that-fails-its-own-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115593/assessment-that-fails-its-own-test.htmlThe government has started reassessing sickness benefit claimants on their fitness to work in order to boost job prospects. But campaigners say the assessment process ignores crucial factors and will lead to poverty and stress for service users. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to be scrapped as part of the government's "bonfire of the quangos" it was announced today, but the future of other social care public bodies remains uncertain. (Picture: Dominic's on flickr)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115574/man-with-schizophrenia-decides-not-to-take-his-medication-how-should-social-workers-respond.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115574/man-with-schizophrenia-decides-not-to-take-his-medication-how-should-social-workers-respond.htmlA social worker and approved mental health professional discuss a real case in which a man with longstanding mental health problems decides to live without his medicationFri, 15 Oct 2010 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has given a qualified backing to Community Care and Unison's campaign for fairer working conditions.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmlOne in 10 people referred for talking therapies is waiting more than two years for treatment, to the detriment of their mental health and job prospects, Mind reveals today.Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlIn an exclusive interview, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed details of targeted measures to improve awareness of carers among frontline professionals and give charities such as Carers UK the means to provide training themselves. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmlThe government’s NHS reforms risk driving health and social care apart unless action is taken to promote joint commissioning, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmlFormer housing minister John Healey has been named as the new shadow health secretary...Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.html The King's Fund has called on ministers to reconsider the speed and scale of new health reforms warning of "significant risks" at a time of increasing financial...Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115496/sharp-rise-in-mental-health-act-detentions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115496/sharp-rise-in-mental-health-act-detentions.htmlThe numbers of people being detained under the Mental Health Act rose by 1,692 in the last financial year according to figures published by the NHS information centre. Steve Shrubb, director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health network, said: "Detention in hospital will often be the most clinically appropriate response at a time of acute crisis." Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115492/doctors-body-warns-of-brain-drain-over-gp-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115492/doctors-body-warns-of-brain-drain-over-gp-commissioning.html The government's health reform proposals are already resulting in a brain drain of management and commissioning expertise from the sector the Royal College...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:56:28 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlGovernment plans for closer working between health and social care could be damaged because of savage cuts to local council budgets, doctors' leaders are...Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/29/115438/cqc-takes-action-to-close-failing-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/29/115438/cqc-takes-action-to-close-failing-care-services.htmlForty two adult care services have closed in the past year following enforcement action by the Care Quality Commission for reasons including abuse, illegal migrant staff, poor management of medication and low levels of cleanliness.Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115436/adass-hits-back-after-burstows-attack-on-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115436/adass-hits-back-after-burstows-attack-on-council-cuts.htmlMinisterial statements on public spending have thrown councils into "turmoil", leading some to start cutting adult care services in advance of next month's comprehensive spending review (CSR).Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115435/care-minister-burstow-unveils-plan-to-improve-dementia-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115435/care-minister-burstow-unveils-plan-to-improve-dementia-care.htmlDementia patients and their carers will be encouraged to hold councils and the NHS to account for their performance on dementia care as part of an action plan launched today by care services minister Paul Burstow.Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlThe Independent Living Fund will shut while the future of family courts body Cafcass is in doubt as part of a government cull of quangos, it has emerged. (Image: Dominic's on Flickr)Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlCouncils are likely to outsource more and more social care services to the private and voluntary sectors as massive spending cuts biteFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlSuffolk Council is planning to outsource nearly all its services to cut costs by 30%.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115395/paul-burstow-personal-budget-take-up-is-a-disgrace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115395/paul-burstow-personal-budget-take-up-is-a-disgrace.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has attacked councils over levels of personal budget take-up, though a social work blogger has challenged him on his comments.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115400/burstow-slams-councils-for-cutting-care-before-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115400/burstow-slams-councils-for-cutting-care-before-spending-review.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has criticised councils for slashing social care support before knowing the results of the public sector spending review, due next month.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115393/one-in-five-councils-illegally-charge-for-reablement-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115393/one-in-five-councils-illegally-charge-for-reablement-services.htmlMore than one in five councils in England is illegally charging service users for reablement packages of care, research by Community Care has found. (Picture credit: Rex)Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115356/adult-social-care-cuts-hitting-half-of-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115356/adult-social-care-cuts-hitting-half-of-councils.htmlAdult social care cuts are hitting one in two English councils, a survey by charity Counsel and Care revealed today.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:28:33 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115321/councils-to-deny-social-care-support-to-all-but-most-needy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115321/councils-to-deny-social-care-support-to-all-but-most-needy.htmlEight in 10 councils in England will not meet adult service users' moderate care needs by next year on current trends, exclusive Community Care research reveals. (Pictured: Ann McFadden who faces losing support services, credit: UNP).Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115327/cqc-streamlines-test-of-council-adult-care-performance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115327/cqc-streamlines-test-of-council-adult-care-performance.htmlCouncils will be judged on fewer adult social care outcomes this year than previously under Care Quality Commission plans to streamline the annual assessment process.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115320/stress-for-social-workers-as-councils-raise-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115320/stress-for-social-workers-as-councils-raise-thresholds.htmlSocial workers face increasing stress as they struggle to ensure clients retain a service as councils tighten eligibility thresholds.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115319/raised-threshold-would-spell-end-of-befriending-lifeline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115319/raised-threshold-would-spell-end-of-befriending-lifeline.htmlAnn McFadden, who has multiple sclerosis, is facing having an important social outlet removed under Bolton Council's plans to raise its eligibility threshold from moderate to substantial.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115324/care-for-mental-health-patients-must-improve-says-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115324/care-for-mental-health-patients-must-improve-says-cqc.htmlToo many community mental health patients are not getting the care they need, the Care Quality Commission said today, as it released the results of a survey of 17,000 service users in England. Cynthia Bower (pictured), CQC chief executive, said care standards were falling short.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115323/needs-of-women-with-personality-disorder-go-unmet-in-jails.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115323/needs-of-women-with-personality-disorder-go-unmet-in-jails.htmlThe needs of women with personality disorder are going unnoticed in prisons, despite them making up a quarter of female inmates, the Centre for Mental Health said today in a report.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115289/good-practice-thrive-gardening-project-in-battersea-park.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115289/good-practice-thrive-gardening-project-in-battersea-park.html A variety of social services’ clients are referred to a large-scale garden project that looks to build physical and mental strength, reports Natalie Valios Project Profile ● Project name: Thrive Battersea Garden Project ● Manager: Susan Stuart - susan.stuart@thrive.org.uk ● Location: Battersea Park, London. ● Aims and objectives: To use social and horticultural therapy to improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities or long-term conditions. ● Annual cost: £449,000 for 2010-11 ● How it is funded: A mixture of local authority, primary care trust, mental health trust and charitable trust funding. ● Timescale: While time-limited programmes are run at the park, Atheldene gardeners' attendance is open-ended. ● Number of service users: 150, of whom 90 come to the park on a regular basis, including 11 gardeners from the Atheldene day centre in Wandsworth, while 60 have regular outreach gardening sessions. ● Number of professional staff: Seven...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115270/hippy-era-drug-users-pose-new-challenge-for-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115270/hippy-era-drug-users-pose-new-challenge-for-social-services.htmlSocial services face a new challenge from rising numbers of ageing substance misusers who started taking drugs in the 1960s, research has found.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlSixteen per cent of social workers have more than 40 cases on the go, while nearly 90% say high case-loads are affecting their ability to practise good social work, a Community Care survey has revealed. (Picture: Rex Features, posed by model)Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115257/book-review-childrens-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115257/book-review-childrens-mental-health-problems.htmlThis small, accessible book aims to provide readers with concise and practical information, writes Tina Coldham.Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115255/book-review-motivate-to-communicate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115255/book-review-motivate-to-communicate.htmlA Straight Talking Introduction to Children's Mental Health Problems; Motivate to Communicate! 300 Games and Activities for Your Child with AutismMon, 06 Sep 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115251/campaigners-bid-to-save-care-grants-from-axe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115251/campaigners-bid-to-save-care-grants-from-axe.htmlCampaigners are bidding to save adult social care grants from the chop to protect vulnerable clients, amid widespread expectations that ministers will axe them, as predicted by Adass president Richard Jones (pictured) in the summer.Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmlSocial workers can come into conflict with families when deciding whether a person should be deprived of their liberty. So whose view should prevail? Vern Pitt reports Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115236/young-carers-of-parents-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115236/young-carers-of-parents-with-mental-health-issues.htmlIn 2009, The Social Care Institute for Excellence introduced guidelines for practitioners to support families in which parents have mental health problems. Here, Scie presents a case study demonstrating how the guidance could be successfully applied Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115233/burstow-to-put-mental-health-on-par-with-physical-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115233/burstow-to-put-mental-health-on-par-with-physical-health.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has vowed to put mental health care on a par with treating physical illness as he outlined plans for a new mental health strategy today.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115218/care-services-minister-outlines-revised-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115218/care-services-minister-outlines-revised-mental-health-strategy.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) writes exclusively for Community Care on the link between poor mental health and deprivation.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlAgency social workers could be costing councils £70m a year more than if permanent staff were employed to perform the same roles, Community Care can reveal. (Pic credit: Alamy) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlAction is being taken to address high vacancy rates and other problems in social work, children's minister Tim Loughton has insisted.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlOne in 10 social work posts are empty, Community Care has found. Our investigation shows that social worker vacancy rates have increased despite the millions of pounds that have been pumped into staff recruitment and reforming the profession. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlLow income families with children will be hit hardest by the coalition government’s first Budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115157/sterilise-parents-who-abuse-children-top-professor-says.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115157/sterilise-parents-who-abuse-children-top-professor-says.htmlSocial workers should be able to recommend irreversible sterilisation for parents who abuse their children, according to a top academic.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115130/the-future-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115130/the-future-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmlEmployment support for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues is at a crossroads finds Mithran Samuel Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115116/care-funding-commission-chair-denies-government-pressure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115116/care-funding-commission-chair-denies-government-pressure.htmlThe chair of the commission on the funding of long-term care, Andrew Dilnot, tells Jeremy Dunning that the government has not pressurised him to deliver the most politically convenient outcome Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115111/drug-abusers-who-refuse-treatment-face-benefit-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115111/drug-abusers-who-refuse-treatment-face-benefit-cuts.htmlSubstance misusers who refuse treatment could have their welfare benefits cut or withdrawn under plans being considered by the Home Office. (Picture: Design Pics/Rex)Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115107/scotlands-brain-injured-patients-denied-proper-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115107/scotlands-brain-injured-patients-denied-proper-care.htmlPeople with brain damage are not receiving the help they need to recover because of missed diagnoses and a lack of specialist care, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland said today. Commission director Dr Donald Lyons (pictured) said: "Expert assessment… is essential and we were disappointed to find that this did not always happen.”Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115101/mental-health-patients-should-be-spared-jail-say-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115101/mental-health-patients-should-be-spared-jail-say-public.htmlMental health patients who offend but pose no risk should be spared short-term jail terms and receive treatment instead, according to two-thirds of the public.Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlThe Trades Union Congress has accused the coalition of making 100 "unfair" spending cuts in its first 100 days, hitting vulnerable groups.Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115092/sex-and-personal-budgets-coverage-may-hinder-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115092/sex-and-personal-budgets-coverage-may-hinder-social-work.htmlAlarmist coverage about the use of direct payments for sex could make social workers' jobs tougher and endanger council funding for disabled people, experts warn. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 16 Aug 2010 14:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115088/children-fear-parental-drug-and-alcohol-use-childline-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115088/children-fear-parental-drug-and-alcohol-use-childline-finds.htmlCalls to ChildLine from children who talked about parental drug and alcohol misuse represents four per cent of all (156,729) children counselled, the NSPCC has revealed.Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115064/joint-working-between-health-and-social-care-in-herefordshire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115064/joint-working-between-health-and-social-care-in-herefordshire.htmlCouncils would be wise to look west when they draw up their plans to integrate health and social care services. As Jeremy Dunning reports, Herefordshire is already ahead of the game Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htmlFamily courts are now taking up to 65 weeks to rule if it is safe for children to stay with their parents, according to research by Barnardo's.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmlThousands of people are dying alone without friends or family support, a report by the Local Government Association has found.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115061/better-access-to-advocates-urged-for-adult-placement-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115061/better-access-to-advocates-urged-for-adult-placement-users.htmlGreater access to independent advocates for adult placement users has been urged to prevent "deplorable" decisions such as the one in which Manchester Council removed a teenager from his family. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 06 Aug 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115059/new-guidance-on-mental-health-and-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115059/new-guidance-on-mental-health-and-homelessness.htmlHomelessness services need to develop more understanding of the emotional needs that underlie clients' chaotic lives, writes Robin Johnson, author of new guidance on the issue Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115050/ministers-discussed-400m-cash-shift-from-nhs-to-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115050/ministers-discussed-400m-cash-shift-from-nhs-to-social-care.htmlFollowing a call from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (left) for NHS funding to be shunted into adult social care a report today suggests ministers have considered shifting £400m to protect adult social care from harmful cuts.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115047/four-in-10-councils-miss-personalisation-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115047/four-in-10-councils-miss-personalisation-target.htmlFour in ten councils have missed a key target for the roll-out of personalisation, a survey has revealed.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115038/the-blogger-who-is-charting-his-life-with-alzheimers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115038/the-blogger-who-is-charting-his-life-with-alzheimers.htmlNorman McNamara has made the brave decision to keep on blogging about his Alzheimer's, and how he copes with it, for as long as he is capable of doing so. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115021/comedian-confronts-his-mental-illness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115021/comedian-confronts-his-mental-illness.htmlEdinburgh Fringe goers will be confronted by the realities of mental illness in Mackenzie Taylor's show. Mark Drinkwater talks to him about finding comedy in a failed suicide attempt Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115034/social-workers-imposed-direct-payments-on-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115034/social-workers-imposed-direct-payments-on-users.htmlSocial workers have foisted direct payments on to adult social care users, a study in Essex has found.Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlCommunity Care has launched a free daily email service to help readers stay up to date with the latest news in social care. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115010/scottish-government-urged-to-protect-social-care-from-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115010/scottish-government-urged-to-protect-social-care-from-cuts.htmlThe Scottish government has been urged to ensure social care does not suffer from its pledge to protect NHS spending from cuts over the next four years.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114992/disabled-back-to-work-scheme-work-choice-will-go-ahead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114992/disabled-back-to-work-scheme-work-choice-will-go-ahead.htmlThe government confirmed today it would go ahead with Work Choice, the specialist employment scheme for disabled people, ending months of speculation.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114994/conservative-think-tank-urges-nhs-takeover-of-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114994/conservative-think-tank-urges-nhs-takeover-of-care-funding.htmlCouncils should lose responsibility to the NHS for long-term care funding to reduce costs, a think-tank close to the prime minister said today.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlThe General Social Care Council is to be scrapped as part of a government review of quangos. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlThe Health Professions Council regulates 15 health workforces and was set up in 2001.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlThe abolition of the General Social Care Council will have far-reaching implications for social care and social workers, including the cost of registration, regulation of professionals and training.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.html The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has reorganised itself to respond to the current policy and economic challenges facing adult social...Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114969/still-nothing-to-fear.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114969/still-nothing-to-fear.htmlDisability minister Maria Miller tells Vern Pitt disabled people are a coalition priority despite astring of benefit cuts Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114958/one-third-of-dla-claimants-fear-worst-from-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114958/one-third-of-dla-claimants-fear-worst-from-cuts.htmlOne in three disability living allowance (DLA) claimants think it unlikely that they will be able to work if their benefits are cut under government plans, a poll has found.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlEngaging social workers will be a major short-term challenge for the College of Social Work, according to its newly-appointed joint interim chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured)Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlAlthough there are positives for social workers in the health White Paper, there remain many questions about power and accountability, says Richard Humphries of the King's Fund Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114922/testing-a-councils-use-of-a-resource-allocation-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114922/testing-a-councils-use-of-a-resource-allocation-system.htmlEd Mitchell finds councils should retain descretion if using a resource allocation system to quantify a service user's care budget Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmlGPs will need to buy in expertise to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, NHS leaders admitted after plans to give family doctors responsibility for health commissioning sparked concerns from social care charities.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114917/councils-and-gps-urged-to-start-white-paper-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114917/councils-and-gps-urged-to-start-white-paper-talks.htmlLocal government leaders, including Richard Jones, president of the ADASS (left), have told councils to begin urgent talks with GPs over the integration of health and social care locally.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114904/moat-asked-childrens-social-workers-for-psychiatric-help.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114904/moat-asked-childrens-social-workers-for-psychiatric-help.htmlGunman Raoul Moat (pictured) asked children's social workers for pscyhiatric help, but then failed to attend appointments, in the months before he killed a man and shot his ex-girlfriend and a policeman.Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmlGPs lack the expertise to commission care services, when it comes to some conditions, and their proposed new powers could lead to postcode lotteries, campaigners warn.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/13/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmlPrimary care trusts were no longer "fit for purpose" and had to go as the price to deliver integrated health and social care, according to care services minister Paul Burstow.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlLocal authorities will be given statutory responsibility for bringing health and social care together under radical NHS reforms announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley today. (Picture credit Rex)Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmlConservative MP Paul Maynard talks to Jeremy Dunning about how he will influence policy on disability in parliament Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114842/call-for-dementia-services-to-raise-profile.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114842/call-for-dementia-services-to-raise-profile.htmlDementia services need a higher profile so that people know where to find support after a diagnosis, the Alzheimer's Society said today. Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.html Directors of social services in Wales are refusing to rule out job losses as they attempt to tackle the funding crisis hitting their departments. Back-office...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:54:05 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114832/support-scheme-did-not-reach-enough-carers-burstow-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114832/support-scheme-did-not-reach-enough-carers-burstow-claims.htmlGovernment cash for a leading carers' support scheme was halted because the programme was not reaching enough carers, it has emerged. Care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) told MPs: "We were not getting value for money from the delivery." Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114823/government-scraps-leading-carer-support-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/01/114823/government-scraps-leading-carer-support-scheme.htmlThe government has today scrapped a multimillion pound support package for carers, Community Care has learned. It has pulled the plug on the Caring with Confidence programme (pictured, credit Michael Donald), worth £4.4m a year. Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114820/full-time-family-carer-roles-double-in-a-decade.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/30/114820/full-time-family-carer-roles-double-in-a-decade.htmlThe proportion of people caring full-time for a loved-one has doubled in the past decade to one fifth of all carers, figures published today have shown.Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/28/114805/social-workers-must-make-end-of-life-care-their-business.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/28/114805/social-workers-must-make-end-of-life-care-their-business.htmlSocial workers do not see end-of-life care as relevant to them, according to experts at the government's National End of Life Care Programme.Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114796/doubts-over-success-of-family-intervention-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114796/doubts-over-success-of-family-intervention-projects.htmlFamily intervention projects (FIPs), hailed as one of Labour's strongest weapons against antisocial behaviour, are less successful than previously thought, according to a new report.Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114794/concerns-raised-over-wrongful-detentions-of-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114794/concerns-raised-over-wrongful-detentions-of-service-users.htmlA mental health charity has raised concerns that people who lack mental capacity are being detained in care settings inappropriately. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmlThe House of Commons' health select committee is to examine the funding of long-term care to help shape the government's plan to overhaul the system.Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114783/dla-cuts-set-to-hit-learning-disabled-and-mentally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114783/dla-cuts-set-to-hit-learning-disabled-and-mentally-ill.htmlPeople with learning disabilities, mental health problems, autism and fluctuating health conditions could be at increased risk of hardship under coalition plans to restrict access to disability living allowance, experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmlSocial care budgets could be slashed by one-third over the next four years after yesterday's emergency Budget, public spending experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114784/housing-benefit-cuts-risk-increases-to-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114784/housing-benefit-cuts-risk-increases-to-homelessness.htmlPlans to cut housing benefit in yesterday's Budget risk increasing homelessness and demand for social services, experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlA two-year public sector pay freeze from 2011 proposed by chancellor George Osborne in today's emergency Budget speech is a "declaration of war", according to trade union Unison.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlThe lowest earning public sector workers will be spared a pay freeze, under plans announced by chancellor George Osborne in today's Budget.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmlFive councils and two primary care trusts in South Essex are to look at how to save money by combining their commissioning powers across social care, health and housing.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114737/professionals-fail-to-comply-with-mental-capacity-act.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114737/professionals-fail-to-comply-with-mental-capacity-act.html More than half of health and social care professionals are failing to comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005's requirements when conducting assessments...Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:48:08 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmlFormer health secretary Andy Burnham has urged the coalition to drop its pledge to increase NHS spending in real terms during this parliament to avoid substantial cuts to social care.Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlCouncils are already planning to cut social care services to meet a government savings target of £1.1bn this year.Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114722/risk-factor-establishing-a-mental-health-diagnosis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114722/risk-factor-establishing-a-mental-health-diagnosis.htmlEstablishing an accurate mental health diagnosis is important for people experiencing psychotic symptoms because early treatment has been shown to dramatically improve the long-term prognosis of the condition, writes Mark Drinkwater. Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmlCouncils' record in tackling the harassment of disabled people will come under scrutiny in a major inquiry launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission today.Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.html Liverpool Council is facing an £11m overspend in social care in 2010-11 unless cuts to in-house services are made. Today, the council revealed there...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114695/blackburn-puts-plan-to-hive-off-care-services-on-hold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114695/blackburn-puts-plan-to-hive-off-care-services-on-hold.html Blackburn Council has put on hold controversial plans to outsource its in-house care services, pending a consultation that will consider other options. Councillors...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114693/timebanks-back-to-life-project.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114693/timebanks-back-to-life-project.htmlLoneliness and depression go hand in hand, prompting a mental health mentoring scheme in south London to strive hard to ensure its clients can re-engage with society. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlCouncils may get a bigger role in health commissioning, under government plans to radically scale back the role of primary care trusts.Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne has promised to limit spending cuts on the most vulnerable and on areas heavily dependent on the public sector as he outlined his framework for future spending decisions today.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114669/adult-social-care-grants-safe-from-axe-burstow-confirms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114669/adult-social-care-grants-safe-from-axe-burstow-confirms.htmlNo Department of Health grants for adult social care are going to be cut this year, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlHundreds of experienced social work staff are to be replaced by a call centre at Glasgow Council as part of a plan to save £180m over the next three years. (Pic credit: Rex)Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmlSpecialist services have been put in place in West Cumbria to provide support to people affected by the massacre of 12 people by Derrick Bird on Wednesday afternoonFri, 04 Jun 2010 17:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114641/ministers-to-be-lobbied-on-personalisation-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114641/ministers-to-be-lobbied-on-personalisation-development.htmlAdult social care leaders in England are to lobby ministers on the next phase of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlQ and A: What does the national college mean for social workers? Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlThe government will support the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force, education secretary Michael Gove has said. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlBrighton and Hove Council will become the latest authority to combine responsibility for vulnerable adults and children in a single post as part of a wholesale restructure designed to save £45m over the next three years.Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmlThe Scottish government issued plans to transform dementia care today in the country's first strategy for the condition - but it has not pledged any new money to meet its ambitions.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlAdult care mandarin David Behan (pictured) and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert are among Whitehall's top earners, a list of the highest-paid civil servants published by the government today reveals.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlMoves to integrate health and social care in England may be put to the test under coalition government plans for primary care trusts and GPs, it has emerged.Fri, 28 May 2010 17:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmlThere are wide regional variations in English councils' progress towards meeting a series of personalisation targets, a survey has found.Thu, 27 May 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114598/councils-set-to-miss-personal-budgets-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114598/councils-set-to-miss-personal-budgets-target.htmlCouncils are on course to miss a target of moving 30% of adult social care recipients on to personal budgets by April 2011, according to a survey. Thu, 27 May 2010 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114601/incapacity-benefit-claimants-to-face-flawed-work-assessment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114601/incapacity-benefit-claimants-to-face-flawed-work-assessment.htmlExisting incapacity benefit claimants look set to be assessed on their fitness to work using a test widely criticised as flawed, it has emerged.Thu, 27 May 2010 13:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmlThe government has confirmed that local authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will not be cut this year.Thu, 27 May 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114587/queens-speech-benefits-claimants-who-refuse-work-targeted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114587/queens-speech-benefits-claimants-who-refuse-work-targeted.htmlPlans for legislation to penalise benefits claimants who refuse jobs were included in the Queen's Speech today.Tue, 25 May 2010 16:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlHilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, tells Community Care about the association's stance over the national college of social work. He reveals the college's creation could leave members facing a decision over BASW's future.Tue, 25 May 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114582/personalisation-grant-stays-ring-fenced-but-cuts-fear-remains.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114582/personalisation-grant-stays-ring-fenced-but-cuts-fear-remains.htmlLocal authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will remain ring-fenced this year but doubts remain over whether the £237m grant will be cut.Tue, 25 May 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114579/mental-health-foundation-loneliness-must-be-tackled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114579/mental-health-foundation-loneliness-must-be-tackled.htmlAction is needed to raise awareness of loneliness and tackle the impact that it can have on people's health and well-being, a Mental Health Foundation report published today has said.Mon, 24 May 2010 19:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmlA £230m grant to help councils implement personalisation could be at risk from the cuts announced by the Treasury today, a think-tank has warned.Mon, 24 May 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council’s budget will be slashed by £15m over the next financial year. Mon, 24 May 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114563/personal-budgets-help-rough-sleepers-into-accommodation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114563/personal-budgets-help-rough-sleepers-into-accommodation.htmlPersonal budgets have helped entrenched rough sleepers into accommodation or treatment in a pilot scheme in North Devon and Exeter.Fri, 21 May 2010 15:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.html Five multi-million pound health and social care partnerships in Glasgow collapsed this week following a dispute between the council and the local NHS board...Fri, 21 May 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114561/how-the-calm-scheme-is-helping-prevent-suicide-on-merseyside.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114561/how-the-calm-scheme-is-helping-prevent-suicide-on-merseyside.htmlPersuading troubled young men to talk about their feelings and prevent suicides requires a subtle approach. Jeremy Dunning reports on a scheme gaining plaudits on Merseyside Fri, 21 May 2010 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114557/anger-over-cqc-decision-to-end-star-ratings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114557/anger-over-cqc-decision-to-end-star-ratings.htmlCare sector chiefs have reacted angrily to the Care Quality Commission's decision to scrap star ratings in October before deciding on a new system for assessing the quality of providers.Fri, 21 May 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114546/coalition-deal-victory-for-community-care-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114546/coalition-deal-victory-for-community-care-dementia-campaign.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign has claimed a victory after the government made prioritising dementia research funding one of its pledges in its full coalition agreement, published today.Thu, 20 May 2010 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114503/research-realities-self-directed-care-personalisation-and-people-with-profound-and-multiple-disabilites.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114503/research-realities-self-directed-care-personalisation-and-people-with-profound-and-multiple-disabilites.htmlThere are 16,000 adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in England. Melanie Henwood finds there is still a long way to go before their needs are fully met, although self-directed support points the way forward Wed, 19 May 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114540/council-cuts-could-hurt-carers-services-cc-live-hears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114540/council-cuts-could-hurt-carers-services-cc-live-hears.htmlExperts fear that budget cuts could lead to tougher times for carers as councils seek to claw back savings, Community Care LIVE heard today.Wed, 19 May 2010 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114517/the-impact-of-personalisation-on-adults-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114517/the-impact-of-personalisation-on-adults-social-workers.htmlPersonalisation is changing the face of social care, but research by Community Care and trade union Unison suggests bureaucracy and job changes mean it is yet to win the hearts and minds of social workers. Mithran Samuel reportsWed, 19 May 2010 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114519/personalisation-and-the-social-care-knowledge-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114519/personalisation-and-the-social-care-knowledge-gap.htmlMore social workers understand the workings of personalisation than in 2008 but a big minority are still in the dark, writes Daniel LombardWed, 19 May 2010 00:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114511/personalisation-cuts-threaten-transformation-agenda.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114511/personalisation-cuts-threaten-transformation-agenda.htmlWhile social workers fear personalisation may be at risk from impending government cuts, our survey finds the agenda is already facing pressures. Jeremy Dunning reports Wed, 19 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114513/personalisation-children-can-benefit-too.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/19/114513/personalisation-children-can-benefit-too.htmlIndividual budgets can be used to benefit disabled children, but only where the circumstances lend themselves to personalised services, writes Molly Garboden Wed, 19 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlSocial care: who's who in the new coalition governmentMon, 17 May 2010 17:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114521/workers-mental-health-hit-hard-in-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114521/workers-mental-health-hit-hard-in-recession.html The recession has taken its toll on the mental health of workers in the UK, according to research released by the charity Mind today. It found that...Mon, 17 May 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmlLiberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow has been appointed as the minister for care services, Community Care can reveal.Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114492/experts-urge-care-funding-action-from-coalition-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114492/experts-urge-care-funding-action-from-coalition-government.htmlExperts are pressing new health secretary Andrew Lansley to commit to immediate talks with other parties on reforming adult care funding to ensure momentum is not lost.Thu, 13 May 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmlSocial workers in Wales will get more training in organising care and assessing risk for dementia patients as part of the country's long-awaited plan to improve dementia care.Wed, 12 May 2010 21:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmlThe government will pursue controversial Tory plans to introduce a single welfare-to-work programme and move more people from incapacity benefit to jobseeker's allowance, the written coalition agreement reveals.Wed, 12 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlThe Conservatives' Andrew Lansley will become health secretary, with responsibility for adult social care, while the new coalition government will also take forward plans to make £6bn in cuts that could cut thousands of public sector jobs this year, the BBC has reported. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlThe social care agenda is absent from the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coaltion document. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlThe son of a pathologist who worked for the NHS since its inception and a former civil servant, Andrew Lansley is often credited with bringing his party round to supporting the health service.Wed, 12 May 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114437/disability-champion-looks-back-on-pioneering-1970-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114437/disability-champion-looks-back-on-pioneering-1970-law.htmlForty years on from the first disability rights legislation, its architect, Alf Morris, tells Vern Pitt how he overcame government opposition to reform Mon, 10 May 2010 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114451/pioneering-1970-disability-law-never-fulfilled-its-promise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114451/pioneering-1970-disability-law-never-fulfilled-its-promise.htmlThe enactment of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 was a historic event. For the first time, parliament, and by extension wider society, recognised the concept of rights for disabled people. However, the rights under the 1970 act never quite lived up to their billing. Mon, 10 May 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114448/disability-rights-40-years-on-sector-leaders-give-their-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114448/disability-rights-40-years-on-sector-leaders-give-their-view.htmlLeading disabled people give their views on the legacy of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the first disability rights law in this country.Mon, 10 May 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114454/progress-of-disability-rights-1970-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114454/progress-of-disability-rights-1970-2010.htmlHow the rights of disabled people have progressed since the pioneering Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 was passed.Mon, 10 May 2010 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has lost his seat in the election and children's secretary Ed Balls secured a narrow victory as a hung parliament creates uncertainty for social care. Fri, 07 May 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlSocial care professionals look set to return Labour in this week's election with almost half pledging to back the governing party in an online poll by Community Care.Tue, 04 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114415/disabled-voters-unimpressed-with-politicians-over-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114415/disabled-voters-unimpressed-with-politicians-over-social-care.htmlDisabled voters are unimpressed with the way all political parties have addressed their concerns over social care and other issues. Tue, 04 May 2010 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmlPlans from all three parties to tighten immigration controls could restrict recruitment to adult social care and damage the quality of services, according to sector heads. (Picture: Alamy)Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114392/bureaucracy-restricts-dementia-direct-payment-take-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114392/bureaucracy-restricts-dementia-direct-payment-take-up.htmlDirect payment take-up among dementia patients in Scotland remains low because of bureaucracy, high eligibility thresholds and a lack of promotion by councils, Alzheimer Scotland said today.Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlNearly 90% of British Association of Social Workers’ members have voted in favour of an independent, UK-wide college of social work.Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114377/blackadder-star-tony-robinson-backs-dementia-declaration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114377/blackadder-star-tony-robinson-backs-dementia-declaration.htmlActor Tony Robinson has become the latest celebrity figure to back Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign.Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114376/dementia-what-would-tories-labour-and-lib-dems-do-if-they-were-elected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114376/dementia-what-would-tories-labour-and-lib-dems-do-if-they-were-elected.htmlVern Pitt asks three of the politicians responsible for their parties' adult social care brief what they will do for dementia care if they form the next government Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114375/too-much-waste-on-pointless-mental-health-therapies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114375/too-much-waste-on-pointless-mental-health-therapies.htmlAlthough Michael Fitzpatrick concedes some treatments for mental health problems are valid, too much is spent on those that are not Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114373/the-benefits-of-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114373/the-benefits-of-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-for-dementia-patients.htmlCognitive stimulation therapy is gaining a positive reputation among some professionals but news of its benefits is slow to travel, writes Jackie Cosh Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114346/best-practice-in-dementia-care-home-staff-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114346/best-practice-in-dementia-care-home-staff-training.htmlWhile the overuse of antipsychotic drugs remains a problem in care homes, one provider has pioneered a person-centred approach that has cut drug use and distress levels. Natalie Valios reports on how staff can gain a better insight into dementia Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114304/risk-factor-a-vulnerable-adult-who-lives-alone-rejects-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114304/risk-factor-a-vulnerable-adult-who-lives-alone-rejects-services.html Weighing up the risks ● Mental capacity Derek has shown that he has the mental capacity to make decisions about his own social care needs....Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114340/carolyn-frenchs-story-of-her-partners-battle-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114340/carolyn-frenchs-story-of-her-partners-battle-with-dementia.htmlCarolyn French recounts the decline of her partner after the onset of dementia and the difficulties in accessing effective support until she discovered the care programme approachThu, 22 Apr 2010 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114338/gordon-brown-backs-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114338/gordon-brown-backs-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlPrime minister Gordon Brown has given his personal endorsement to Community Care's campaign to make dementia a political priority.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114337/move-to-community-services-held-up-by-risk-averse-culture.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114337/move-to-community-services-held-up-by-risk-averse-culture.htmlEfforts to shift health and social care out of institutions and into the community are being hampered by risk-averse commissioning and a lack of government policy direction.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmlRichard Jones, who becomes Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president today, tells Jeremy Dunning that the next 12 months will be a time of delivering care differently as cuts start to bite Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114329/community-care-dementia-campaign-gets-all-party-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114329/community-care-dementia-campaign-gets-all-party-support.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration has won the support of all three major parties, after the Tories gave the campaign their endorsement this week.Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmlDementia care may cost England less in future than had been previously thought on the back of improved treatment and scientific developments, according to experts.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.html Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all backed the need to support carers and forge consensus on social care funding reform in yesterday's first televised debate between the three party leaders. (Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114300/diary-of-a-newly-qualified-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114300/diary-of-a-newly-qualified-social-worker.htmlCommunity Care is inviting newly qualified workers to share their experiences. Here Greg Foreman describes his work on a learning disability team Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114301/international-dementia-care-strategies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114301/international-dementia-care-strategies.htmlAlthough we may think the UK is struggling with dementia care, Sally-Marie Bamford reports that we are among the pacesetters in Europe Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114285/lib-dem-manifesto-backs-dementia-research-funding-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114285/lib-dem-manifesto-backs-dementia-research-funding-boost.htmlThe Liberal Democrats have pledged to make dementia the priority area for medical research in their general election manifesto, launched by leader Nick Clegg today.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114284/charity-urges-quality-of-life-boost-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114284/charity-urges-quality-of-life-boost-for-dementia-patients.htmlDementia services need to develop ways to monitor sufferers' quality of life, the Alzheimer's Society has demanded in a report published today.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114290/labour-backs-community-cares-dementia-declaration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114290/labour-backs-community-cares-dementia-declaration.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has endorsed Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign on behalf of the Labour Party.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114274/kings-fund-labours-13-year-mental-health-record-falls-short.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114274/kings-fund-labours-13-year-mental-health-record-falls-short.htmlLabour's record on mental health services is mixed, according to a King's Fund review of its 13 years in power.Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114258/labour-pledges-improved-services-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114258/labour-pledges-improved-services-for-dementia-patients.htmlLabour has pledged to ensure that dementia patients in every area have access to psychological therapy, counselling and memory clinics if it wins the election, in its manifesto, published today.Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114247/disability-alliance-slams-tory-plan-to-combat-benefit-fraud.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114247/disability-alliance-slams-tory-plan-to-combat-benefit-fraud.htmlMany vulnerable people could lose out under the Tories' proposed 'three strikes' policy to crack down on those who repeatedly defraud the benefits system, a campaign group has warned.Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114240/michael-parkinson-backs-dementia-declaration-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114240/michael-parkinson-backs-dementia-declaration-campaign.htmlDignity in care champion Michael Parkinson has thrown his weight behind Community Care's campaign to make dementia an election priority. (Picture: Rex)Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmlDrug abusers are to be given personal budgets to help them overcome their addictions in a pilot in West Sussex. But instead of direct payments, they will each be given a virtual allocation, managed by the council, and some control over how it is spent. Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114235/target-to-close-nhs-campuses-will-be-missed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114235/target-to-close-nhs-campuses-will-be-missed.html The government will miss its target to close NHS campuses for people with learning disabilities by the end of 2010, a Department of Health report has revealed. Its...Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:04:44 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham today announced plans to create a national care service to provide all eligible users with free care and support but delayed any decision on how it would be funded, in a White Paper on reform.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114222/lib-dems-snp-and-plaid-back-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114222/lib-dems-snp-and-plaid-back-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmlThe Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru have announced their backing for Community Care’s Dementia Declaration campaign.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114226/white-paper-sector-split-on-personal-budgets-for-all-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114226/white-paper-sector-split-on-personal-budgets-for-all-target.htmlSocial care experts are divided over the achievability of a pledge in the care White Paper to give all eligible users a personal budget by 2012.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlUK Independence Party chief Paul Wiffen has been suspended following his racist rant on Community Care. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114207/care-quality-commission-one-year-on.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114207/care-quality-commission-one-year-on.htmlAs the Care Quality Commission celebrates its first birthday, Mithran Samuel evaluates the regulator's turbulent year Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114204/dementia-champion-martin-green-how-commissioners-hinder-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114204/dementia-champion-martin-green-how-commissioners-hinder-staff.htmlIndependent sector dementia champion Martin Green says staff need more time to spend with sufferers but commissioners prevent this from happening. Vern Pitt reports Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114201/biggest-ni-party-and-david-blunkett-back-dementia-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114201/biggest-ni-party-and-david-blunkett-back-dementia-campaign.htmlThe Democratic Unionist Party and former home secretary David Blunkett (pictured, credit Rex) have added their support to Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114196/providers-attack-white-paper-as-sector-splits-on-reform-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114196/providers-attack-white-paper-as-sector-splits-on-reform-plans.htmlCare providers have emerged as the harshest critics of the care White Paper, amid support from other groups for the reform plan launched yesterday by health secretary Andy Burnham.Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmlThe social care sector has applauded the government’s social care white paper referring to it as bold and a milestone. However, many have expressed concern at the lack of detailed funding proposals.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114188/tories-and-lib-dems-unimpressed-with-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114188/tories-and-lib-dems-unimpressed-with-care-white-paper.htmlThe Tories and Liberal Democrats have rejected significant elements of Labour's plans to reform adult social care care, outlined in today's White Paper.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114179/white-paper-backs-free-care-service-but-defers-death-tax-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114179/white-paper-backs-free-care-service-but-defers-death-tax-plan.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham will back a national care service free at the point of need but defer a decision on how it will be funded in a White Paper today.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmlCouncils are being give £30m to fund IT improvements and improved information services to help transform adult care in line with personalisation in 2010-11.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114172/incapacity-benefit-claimants-face-reduced-welfare-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114172/incapacity-benefit-claimants-face-reduced-welfare-payments.htmlLarge numbers of incapacity benefit claimants could receive £25 a week less in welfare payments after the government announced today they would be reassessed under a tougher eligibility system from October onwards.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.html Social care and NHS employers are to get more support in workforce planning from an agency designed to help them deliver more efficient and personalised...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/26/114152/community-care-dementia-campaign-wins-early-backing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/26/114152/community-care-dementia-campaign-wins-early-backing.htmlCommunity Care's campaign to put dementia at the heart of the election has won the backing of a number of social care bodies following its launch yesterday.Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114151/councils-and-nhs-given-guide-to-promoting-mental-well-being.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114151/councils-and-nhs-given-guide-to-promoting-mental-well-being.htmlCouncils and the NHS have been urged to improve the psychological well-being of their communities through a government public mental health framework launched today, including evidence of what works.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlAll social workers in England will be able to take a master's degree in social work practice, ministers have promised. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114145/unison-let-councils-employ-pas-to-protect-working-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114145/unison-let-councils-employ-pas-to-protect-working-conditions.htmlPersonal assistants should be employed by local authorities rather than direct payment users to protect their working conditions, a Unison-commissioned report said this week.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/22/114110/cps-we-must-raise-our-game-on-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/22/114110/cps-we-must-raise-our-game-on-disability-hate-crime.htmlThe Crown Prosecution Service has admitted it needs to "raise its game" in prosecuting cases of disability hate crime. It has issued new guidelines for the police, which it said would increase the number of prosecutions.Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114080/our-stories-photography-exhibition-aims-to-promote-understanding-of-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114080/our-stories-photography-exhibition-aims-to-promote-understanding-of-mental-health-issues.htmlThe Our Stories exhibition of sounds and photographs organised by the mental health charity Together aims to promote a better understanding of mental health issues faced by service users. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmlCouncils could face pressure on resources by having to commission traditional services alongside innovative ones as they roll out personal budgets, research by think-tank Demos shows.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmlGordon Brown's flagship free personal care bill has been torpedoed in the House of Lords and now has little chance of becoming law until after the general election.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmlNearly two-thirds of primary care trusts (PCTs) are unable to show where they have spent money intended to support the national dementia strategy, Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmlThe mammoth public spending deficit is likely to prevent ministers from making significant financial commitments in the forthcoming care funding White Paper, experts have warned.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmlPersonal budgets have improved the lives of most users but fewer clients have true control over their care and support than official estimates indicate, In Control said today.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114050/personalisation-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114050/personalisation-in-scotland.htmlScotland's government is pledging to make self-directed support central to social care. Jeremy Dunning investigates what this will mean Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmlA comprehensive audit of dementia care in hospitals in England and Wales is to commence this week with a view to developing a quality mark for dementia care.Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmlThe public should be asked whether it supports full tax funding for adult social care, rather than have the option closed off by government, an influential cross-party group of MPs said today.Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmlPoliticians have been accused of lacking the will to fix the problems afflicting ordinary residence rules, which can place a huge burden on some local authorities and trap disabled people in unsuitable housing.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has strongly suggested the forthcoming adult white paper will back a compulsory levy to fund care as he talked up the idea in a debate with his Tory and Lib Dem opposite numbers yesterday. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Litany of failures that let father rape his daughters for years; Labour refuses to rule out 'death tax' to fund care for elderly; Teacher had affair with teenager at special needs school, court told; Schoolgirl, 13, found hanged amid claims she was bullied because she was pretty. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmlPrimary care trusts will be held to account for their spending on carers following revelations that dedicated resources for short breaks were not being spent as desired, care services minister Phil Hope has pledged.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlThe civil servant who has led on the implementation of the personalisation programme in England is to leave the Department of Health.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Parties clash ahead of elderly social care summit; Psychiatric report said Jon Venables was a 'negligible risk'; Public sector pay has risen 15% more than private since Labour came to powerWed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmlAn Age Concern and Help the Aged poll has revealed that six out of 10 adults think politicians are not doing enough to work together to improve the care and support system.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/114001/court-ruling-may-increase-adult-care-costs-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/114001/court-ruling-may-increase-adult-care-costs-for-councils.htmlCouncils that have service users placed in their areas by other authorities could face higher bills after a High Court judgement.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113986/mental-health-service-for-veterans-rolled-out-across-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113986/mental-health-service-for-veterans-rolled-out-across-wales.htmlA pilot project to support armed services personnel experiencing mental health problems as a result of their service will be extended across Wales.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlBirmingham Council and its NHS partners are set to create a pooled budget of £315m, establishing what is believed to be one of the country's biggest health and social care partnership arrangements.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlMost councils are planning savage cuts to adult social care but intend to protect children's services from financial pain, public finance chiefs have found.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has been asked to step down from the national college development group amid growing criticism of its decision to launch a breakaway social work college. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113946/welsh-tories-slam-failure-to-publish-dementia-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113946/welsh-tories-slam-failure-to-publish-dementia-plan.htmlThe Welsh Conservatives have slammed the country's government for failing to publish its dementia plan, nearly two years after it was promised.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113945/mental-health-worker-suspended-after-client-commits-suicide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113945/mental-health-worker-suspended-after-client-commits-suicide.htmlA mental health social worker who failed to properly assess a man who later committed suicide has been suspended from the social care register for a year.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- James Bulger's killer 'back where he belongs'; 'Sarah's law' pilot raises revenge fears; New focus on adults with autism; How pensioners are punished by the care lotteryWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Councils consider plans to shed 170,000 public sector jobs; Shannon Matthews kidnap report unlikely until after election; Terminally ill 'unable to die at home through lack of nursing cover'; Legal challenge over Yarl's Wood womenMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113914/mental-health-talking-therapies-scheme-ahead-of-schedule.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113914/mental-health-talking-therapies-scheme-ahead-of-schedule.htmlA mental health scheme offering low-intensity talking therapies in England is ahead of schedule, according to a government report, which has revised delivery guidance.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlThe Conservatives have appointed Eileen Munro, professor of social policy at the London School of Economics, to consider how bureaucracy should be slashed in social work and child protection.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113870/review-of-mental-illness-among-offenders-urged.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113870/review-of-mental-illness-among-offenders-urged.htmlA report out today recommends a review of the prevalence of mental health problems among offenders after revealing that only half who would benefit from treatment are sent to secure hospitals. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/21/113847/making-personalisation-work-for-people-with-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/21/113847/making-personalisation-work-for-people-with-autism.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence explains how to deliver personalised services for people with autism and their families Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmlCarers UK today called on employers and the state to sign up to a 'social contract' to support carers to help stave off a "tipping point" when families will no longer be able to provide sufficient care for older people.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113833/diary-of-an-emergency-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113833/diary-of-an-emergency-social-worker.htmlA couple of section 47s, a section 136 and a police PPO... plus a meeting with a manager who doesn't believe we're busy enough - all before breakfast...Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Torture boys' sentence 'not too lenient'; The confessions of a mercy killer; Seventeen million could have to pay 'death tax', Tories claim; Yarl's Wood children face 'extreme distress'Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113808/supporting-families-post-adoption.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113808/supporting-families-post-adoption.htmlThe provision of mental health services to support adoption has always been patchy. However, as Camilla Pemberton finds out, sometimes the biggest problem is persuading parents to admit they need help in the first place Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113802/adass-lead-dementia-money-not-being-spent-as-desired.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113802/adass-lead-dementia-money-not-being-spent-as-desired.htmlThe £150m identified for primary care trusts to implement the national dementia strategy from 2009-11 has not been spent on its desired purpose, a local government leader has claimed. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Social services 'failed autistic boy' and Mandelson denies Labour abandoning pledges to increase spendingFri, 12 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.html The Care Quality Commission is set to hold discussions with stakeholders over the coming months on how it intends to encourage greater levels of joined-up...Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113776/mental-health-staff-at-risk-through-ambulance-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113776/mental-health-staff-at-risk-through-ambulance-delays.htmlApproved mental health professionals are being left waiting up to five hours for an ambulance while detaining potentially aggressive patients, a professional body has said. (Pic: Rex Features)Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has approved the creation of a "care trust plus" to integrate health and social care commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlMany councils in England are failing to provide potential service users with adequate information about personal budgets – nearly two years into the personalisation agenda.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.html The Scottish government has issued a consultative 10-year strategy to roll out personalisation...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Inheritance levy to fund social care being considered by ministers; Margo MacDonald's Bill 'would encourage suicide tourism to Scotland'; Hunger strike at detention centreTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113751/institute-of-psychiatry-launches-site-to-help-mental-health-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113751/institute-of-psychiatry-launches-site-to-help-mental-health-carers.html Relatives, carers and friends of people with psychosis are being helped to access clear information and advice on the condition and the support available...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmlEnglish councils would face a tougher assessment of performance but no overall rating in 2010-11, if consultative plans issued by the Care Quality Commission yesterday come to fruition.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmlDementia costs the UK economy £23bn a year and affects 820,000 people, according to research out today which found that the impact of the disease was far higher than previously thought and that research funding was far too low.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113704/mental-health-charity-fined-30000-over-support-workers-killing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113704/mental-health-charity-fined-30000-over-support-workers-killing.htmlA mental health charity has been fined £30,000 for failing to protect a support worker who was stabbed to death by a service user in 2006. Ashleigh Ewing (pictured), 22, was killed in Newcastle in May 2006 during a home visit on behalf of Sunderland-based charity Mental Health Matters. (Pic credit: PA) Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113696/sunderland-charity-allowed-support-workers-lone-visit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113696/sunderland-charity-allowed-support-workers-lone-visit.htmlA mental health charity has pleaded guilty to failing to protect a support worker who was stabbed to death during a home visit to a service user. Ashleigh Ewing, 22 (pictured), was killed in Newcastle in May 2006 while working for Sunderland-based charity Mental Health Matters. (Picture: PA Images)Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.html A care home for men with drink-related mental health problems is to expand its services to women for the first time in its 150-year history - through...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113676/community-care-4-february-2010-book-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113676/community-care-4-february-2010-book-review.htmlDown's Syndrome and Dementia: A resource for carers and support staff (2nd edition)Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113674/community-care-4-february-2010-book-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113674/community-care-4-february-2010-book-review.htmlA Straight Talking Introduction to Caring for Someone with Mental Health ProblemsFri, 29 Jan 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113675/community-care-4-february-2010-book-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113675/community-care-4-february-2010-book-review.htmlEnriched Care Planning for People with DementiaFri, 29 Jan 2010 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.html Councils should have greater control over the running of health services, the Local Government Association said today. In a consultative document,...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113657/mental-health-foundation-urges-more-support-for-veterans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113657/mental-health-foundation-urges-more-support-for-veterans.htmlThe Mental Health Foundation today called for more to be done to look after the mental health of military veterans. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113654/nhs-chief-answers-criticisms-over-lack-of-priority-for-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113654/nhs-chief-answers-criticisms-over-lack-of-priority-for-dementia.htmlNHS chief executive David Nicholson has answered criticisms over the government's failure to make dementia a priority for the health service. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmlThe Welsh government has introduced legislation to improve the lives of carers through improved information. The proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure would place duties on the NHS and local authorities in Wales to work together to provide information for carers and consult them on services that they or the people they care for receive.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmlThe government last week announced plans to make multi-agency adult safeguarding boards mandatory by putting them on a statutory footing.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113638/north-west-mental-health-survey-makes-case-for-prevention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113638/north-west-mental-health-survey-makes-case-for-prevention.htmlPrimary care trusts in the North West are being urged to shift resources into promoting good mental health after a comprehensive survey showed stark differences in mental well-being.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmlAn academic and old age psychiatrist has been appointed to lead the implementation of the Department of Health's national dementia strategy for England.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113631/cambridgeshire-plans-3.8m-cuts-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113631/cambridgeshire-plans-3.8m-cuts-in-adult-care.htmlCambridgeshire Council could be set to cut its budget for adult social care by £3.8m. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113562/working-with-mental-capacity-advocates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113562/working-with-mental-capacity-advocates.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence highlights best practice in the use of independent mental capacity advocates Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113621/my-quest-for-the-schizophrenia-gene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113621/my-quest-for-the-schizophrenia-gene.htmlJournalist and mental health service user Richard Shrubb on how a family history of schizophrenia made him investigate the condition Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113614/ethnic-minority-mental-health-in-patient-numbers-unacceptable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113614/ethnic-minority-mental-health-in-patient-numbers-unacceptable.htmlCampaigners have branded the continuing over-representation of ethnic minorities in inpatient mental health services as "disappointing" and "unacceptable",...Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113607/mental-health-ethnic-minority-groups-still-over-represented.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113607/mental-health-ethnic-minority-groups-still-over-represented.htmlThe proportion of people from ethnic minorities receiving in-patient mental health services is still showing no signs of reduction, a Care Quality Commission survey revealed today.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlOlder and disabled people in York are facing cuts to respite care services and increased charges as the council tries to claw back a projected overspend of £1.1m in adult social care.Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113592/phil-hope-announces-extra-protection-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113592/phil-hope-announces-extra-protection-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlSafeguarding adults boards are to be put on a statutory footing and will be made mandatory for all English local authorities under proposals announced by care minster Phil Hope today.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113576/report-into-childs-death-highlights-social-work-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113576/report-into-childs-death-highlights-social-work-failings.htmlThe family of a five-year-old killed by her mother found their involvement with social services to be a "bruising and disenchanting encounter", according to a new report on the case.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlThousands of households have taken out loans with interest rates averaging 825% during "the worst Christmas in a generation" for illegal doorstep lending, according to a new report. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlGovernment plans to provide free personal care at home for users with high needs have "thrown into reverse" its efforts to persuade the public of the need to contribute to their future care costs.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlPrimary care trusts should be required to deliver on the government's national dementia strategy, sector leaders said today, after a critical National Audit Office report found the strategy was at risk of failure.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmlLabour peer Lord Lipsey has predicted that the Personal Care at Home Bill will face a "rough ride" as it progresses through the House of Lords.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlThe government's national dementia strategy for England is at risk of failure because of a lack of leadership and mechanisms to deliver on change, a National Audit Office report warned today.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Public service cuts to target middle classes; It's none of your business: What Age Concern told neighbour who phoned fearing for older couple later found dead in their home; 'Problem' families should be put into care, says crime adviserWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Michael Parkinson says care of elderly downright unacceptable; Pensioners found dead in their own home at peak of UK's Big Freeze spark inquiry; Bridgend: Double hanging in town rocked by young suicidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113525/mental-health-committee-says-ban-on-sectioned-mps-must-end.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113525/mental-health-committee-says-ban-on-sectioned-mps-must-end.html Members of Parliament should not lose their seat if they are sectioned for six months, a committee of MPs said today. A report by the Speaker's...Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113509/projects-aid-ex-military-personnel-with-mental-ill-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113509/projects-aid-ex-military-personnel-with-mental-ill-health.htmlFormer military personnel with mental health issues face the biggest battle of all: coming to terms with their condition. But help is at hand in a series of pilots, writes Andrew Mickel Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmlThe government still intends to produce a white paper on adult care funding reform before the next general election to ensure it becomes a "top order issue" on polling day, health secretary Andy Burnham said yesterday.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113499/pledge-to-camhs-lacks-commitment-says-youngminds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113499/pledge-to-camhs-lacks-commitment-says-youngminds.htmlMental health charity YoungMinds has said the government's pledge to support local delivery of child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs), announced today, lacks the commitment necessary to make a difference.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113494/homelessness-health-audit-exposes-service-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113494/homelessness-health-audit-exposes-service-gaps.htmlA government-backed audit of single homeless people in three areas has uncovered significant health needs but gaps in provision to meet them.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Abusers could slip through, admits vetting scheme boss; Extradition of Gary McKinnon 'breaches Bill of Rights'; The Saga manifesto: Over-50s tell party leaders what they want from the governmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113473/mps-say-care-fees-put-unfair-burden-on-dementia-sufferers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113473/mps-say-care-fees-put-unfair-burden-on-dementia-sufferers.htmlTwo-thirds of MPs feel charges for personal care services place an unfair burden on people with dementia, an Alzheimer's Society survey revealed this week.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113472/mhf-people-with-recurring-depression-denied-key-therapy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113472/mhf-people-with-recurring-depression-denied-key-therapy.htmlThe Mental Health Foundation has called on the government to improve access to mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), after a survey found poor uptake from GPs five years after the treatment won official backing.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlLabour today accused the Conservatives of having a £34bn hole in their spending plans as the Tories outlined their election platform for health and social care.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown insists big cuts are not inevitable; Recession will lead to 'lost generation' of young people; Why I told about my abuse, by England rugby star Brian MooreMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlSome of the key policy movements that have defined the past 10 years in social work Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/18/113450/consultation-starts-on-closure-of-therapeutic-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/18/113450/consultation-starts-on-closure-of-therapeutic-community.htmlConsultations started today on the proposed closure of Birmingham's Main House, which runs an intensive residential therapeutic programme for people with a personality disorder.Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/11/113414/tool-to-gauge-childrens-experiences-of-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/11/113414/tool-to-gauge-childrens-experiences-of-mental-health-services.htmlThe experiences of children and young people using mental health services may soon be measurable, thanks to a tool being developed at King's College, London.Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Haringey social services still 'poor', says Ofsted a year after Baby P; Chancellor warns Whitehall of ‘real cuts’; Councils named and shamed by online audit of public services from bins to jails; Prison ministers accused over action on heroin; Darling is forced to delay pension boost.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113392/review-a-straight-talking-guide-to-psychiatric-drugs-by-joanna-moncrieff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113392/review-a-straight-talking-guide-to-psychiatric-drugs-by-joanna-moncrieff.htmlHow refreshing it is to read a book by a consultant psychiatrist (and senior lecturer) who challenges assumptions in a medically dominated field. In this case, the proposition that mental health problems are a disease that must be treated primarily by medication that reverses a chemical imbalance, writes Tina Coldham Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113377/mental-health-bodies-welcome-new-horizons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113377/mental-health-bodies-welcome-new-horizons.htmlCharities and mental health bodies have welcomed the launch of the government's New Horizons strategy, but want more guidance on its practicalities.Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlA 10-year mental health strategy centring on depression has been launched by the government today. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president has lambasted the Care Quality Commission over its treatment of the eight councils rated 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment. Jenny Owen said most of the eight did not know that they were going to be categorised as "priority for improvement" following yesterday's assessment until Owen informed them earlier this week. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmlAlmost one in three carers are caring for a loved-one for over 50 hours a week while 9% had given up work and 7% reduced their hours, a survey has found.Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlThe Care Quality Commission published its annual performance assessment of local authority adult social care today, along with a report looking at how care providers are doing against CQC's quality ratings system and the national minimum standards. Here are some of the reactions from sector bodies.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlEight councils will face added scrutiny from the Care Quality Commission over the coming year after receiving an adequate rating in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmlSouthwark Council has demanded an urgent parliamentary review of the Care Quality Commission after the regulator downgraded the London borough from 'excellent' to 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113342/cqc-councils-improve-for-seventh-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113342/cqc-councils-improve-for-seventh-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlCouncils improved their overall performance in adult social care for the seventh successive year in 2008-9 despite facing a tougher assessment process, the Care Quality Commission (chief executive Cynthia Bower, pictured) said today.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Nearly 4,000 adult social services criticised over level of care provided; Boy, two, is snatched by social workers after refusing doctor's advice to feed him junk food; Action on disability hate crimesThu, 03 Dec 2009 08:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113341/care-provider-ratings-on-the-up-but-cqc-warns-poorer-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113341/care-provider-ratings-on-the-up-but-cqc-warns-poorer-services.htmlThe quality of adult care providers across England improved from 2008-9 however the Care Quality Commission has warned under-performing services to improve urgently.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113335/taskforce-plans-may-neglect-adults-services-and-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113335/taskforce-plans-may-neglect-adults-services-and-mental-health.htmlReforms introduced on the back of the Social Work Task Force's final report must not neglect the specific needs of practitioners in adults' services and mental health, experts have warned.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Task Force has called on the sector to launch media campaigns to improve public understanding and highlight the importance of the social work role. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlWelsh social services directors have been challenged to improve collaboration both between councils and with health partners by Welsh deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlSacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Sacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlSocial workers will gain a stronger collective voice through the first ever national college for the profession, after the government accepted all of the recommendations in a 10-year reform programme proposed by the Social Work Task Force today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlFunding the Social Work Task Force's reforms will not be possible from current budgets the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) have warned.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on continuing professional development.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on initial training.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on employer support for social workers, supervision and workload management.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on pay.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlThe social work profession has been subject to many wide-ranging reviews over the past 40 years but, after landing on ministers' desks, they do not always have the impact on policy intended by the reports' authors. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's to require social workers to obtain a licence to practise, drawing on experience from the medical profession.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on workforce planning.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlBackground on Social Work Task Force's proposal to create a national college of social work.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlTimeline of key events leading up to the final report of the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113304/skunk-and-frequent-cannabis-use-raises-psychosis-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113304/skunk-and-frequent-cannabis-use-raises-psychosis-risk.htmlPeople who smoke skunk are almost seven times as likely to develop psychotic illnesses as those smoking less potent forms of cannabis, research published today has found.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113282/supporting-mental-health-services-in-the-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113282/supporting-mental-health-services-in-the-recession.htmlMental health prepares for tough choices Mental health services face the double whammy of higher demand and fewer resources, reports Jeremy Dunning Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113283/mark-fleming-debt-and-mental-ill-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113283/mark-fleming-debt-and-mental-ill-health.htmlMark Fleming is an Edinburgh-based writer who has used mental health services. This year he published a novel, Brainbomb, about living with bipolar disorder Mark...Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113269/proven-practice-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes-for-elderly-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113269/proven-practice-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes-for-elderly-people.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence explains how a thorough knowledge of residents' needs, multi-agency partnerships, and good record-keeping can reduce the need for restraint of residents in care homes Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113253/mental-health-act-detentions-rise-sharply-for-bme-groups.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113253/mental-health-act-detentions-rise-sharply-for-bme-groups.htmlThe over-representation of black and minority ethnic people detained under the Mental Health Act in England rose significantly last year, figures produced today by the NHS Information Centre showed.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113250/free-personal-care-bill-published-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113250/free-personal-care-bill-published-today.htmlLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with critical needs will be published at 12.30pm today.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Cancer research at risk in scramble for care funds; Domestic violence victims need targeted support; Fuel bills blamed for 50% rise in deaths; MPs back calls to scrap short prison terms for young adultsWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113232/dh-backs-calls-to-tackle-mental-health-problems-among-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113232/dh-backs-calls-to-tackle-mental-health-problems-among-staff.html The government has accepted in full the recommendations of an NHS occupational health review that found staff were suffering from high levels of mental ill-health. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113206/personality-disorder-training-combats-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113206/personality-disorder-training-combats-stigma.htmlSocial workers are being trained to understand personality disorder by someone who knows the subject best but whose history can prove a shock to some of them, writes Louise Tickle Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113195/tories-launch-campaign-to-protect-disability-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113195/tories-launch-campaign-to-protect-disability-benefits.htmlThe Conservative Party today launched a campaign against government plans to use disability benefits for pensioners to fund increases in adult social care funding.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113186/bid-to-improve-mental-health-treatment-for-offenders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113186/bid-to-improve-mental-health-treatment-for-offenders.htmlThe government has announced plans to improve the treatment of offenders with mental health problems, learning disabilities and personality disorders.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113176/mental-health-tsar-new-horizons-to-tackle-recession-impact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113176/mental-health-tsar-new-horizons-to-tackle-recession-impact.htmlMental health tsar Louis Appleby has said the government's new 10-year mental health strategy could help 'recession-proof' mental health services by improving value for money. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113177/bed-shortages-warning-over-personality-disorder-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113177/bed-shortages-warning-over-personality-disorder-services.htmlReforms to services for people with severe personality disorders in southern England could lead to a shortage of beds, an expert fears.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113175/nhs-heads-cost-constraints-may-stymie-bid-to-limit-antipsychotics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113175/nhs-heads-cost-constraints-may-stymie-bid-to-limit-antipsychotics.html Cost constraints may dash bid to limit antipsychotics Care services minister rules out government funding to expand mental health teams Government-backed...Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113159/sector-responds-to-adult-social-care-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113159/sector-responds-to-adult-social-care-green-paper.htmlSector bodies today issued their response to the government's green paper on the future funding of adult social care as the consultation ended today.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113162/letters-to-community-care-19-november-2009.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113162/letters-to-community-care-19-november-2009.htmlBASW has misunderstood the purpose of the ICS Improvement Guidance issued by the DCSF ( "BASW...Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113158/acute-mental-health-care-expectations-of-the-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113158/acute-mental-health-care-expectations-of-the-service.html A declaration outlining expectations of good quality acute...Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113149/tips-to-help-social-workers-who-feel-depressed-by-their-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113149/tips-to-help-social-workers-who-feel-depressed-by-their-work.htmlThe pressures of modern social work have caused anxiety and depression among some staff. But there are many ways to help overcome this, writes Julie Griffiths Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113137/louis-appleby-40-more-doctors-needed-to-manage-ctos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113137/louis-appleby-40-more-doctors-needed-to-manage-ctos.htmlMental health tsar Louis Appleby has issued a call for 40 doctors to come forward to help manage the high numbers of community treatment orders issued for...Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113131/dementia-dh-promises-targets-to-cut-use-of-antipsychotics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113131/dementia-dh-promises-targets-to-cut-use-of-antipsychotics.htmlThe government has promised to set targets to reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia after a long-awaited review found inappropriate prescriptions were widespread.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113132/recession-puts-talking-therapies-scheme-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113132/recession-puts-talking-therapies-scheme-at-risk.htmlMental health leaders have raised concerns that the government's talking therapies programme could be cut after 2011 despite the recession fuelling rising levels of depression and anxiety - the disorders the programme is designed to treat.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113142/social-workers-advise-on-a-case-involving-a-mother-with-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113142/social-workers-advise-on-a-case-involving-a-mother-with-mental-health-problems.htmlPractitioners and experts comment on a case in which a young man has alerted the NSPCC to his mother's paranoid and potentially dangerous behaviour Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113150/personality-disorders-one-residential-unit-for-south-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113150/personality-disorders-one-residential-unit-for-south-england.htmlPeople with severe personality disorders across the south of England will have access to one residential service in future under plans announced yesterday.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113096/deprivation-of-liberty-applications-much-lower-than-expected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113096/deprivation-of-liberty-applications-much-lower-than-expected.htmlThe number of applications by care providers to detain people who lack capacity is one-third the level expected since safeguards were introduced to ensure detentions were conducted lawfully.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113078/why-has-the-number-of-community-treatment-orders-issued-far-outstripped-forecasts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113078/why-has-the-number-of-community-treatment-orders-issued-far-outstripped-forecasts.htmlWhy has the number of community treatment orders issued far outstripped forecasts? Jeremy Dunning asks the experts and, below, Sally Gillen meets some people with experience of CTOs Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113077/research-realities-the-psychological-welfare-of-young-people-in-the-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113077/research-realities-the-psychological-welfare-of-young-people-in-the-uk.htmlPsychologist Ann Phoenix examines a study that spans three decades shows worrying changes in the mental well-being of children in the UK, and backs reports of widespread unhappiness Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113075/mind-slams-mental-health-provision-for-asylum-seekers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113075/mind-slams-mental-health-provision-for-asylum-seekers.html Mindasylum The UK asylum system is triggering and exacerbating mental health problems in people seeking...Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113067/nice-employers-must-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113067/nice-employers-must-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlEmployers must combat the stigma around mental health in the workplace and encourage flexible working as part of measures to improve mental wellbeing for employees.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113057/leonard-cheshire-disabled-people-denied-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113057/leonard-cheshire-disabled-people-denied-social-care.htmlDisabled people are being denied the social care services they need due to poverty, charges and tightening eligibility criteria, Leonard Cheshire Disability has said.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/03/113055/mps-reject-return-to-ring-fencing-for-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/03/113055/mps-reject-return-to-ring-fencing-for-supporting-people.htmlMPs today rejected calls to reinstate the ring fence for Supporting People but warned action must be taken to protect funding for vulnerable people receiving housing-related support.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113012/news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113012/news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Baby's abusers are jailed for life, Tai Chi 'can ease the pain of arthritis', Nursery monster Vanessa George torments families from jail by naming victims in cynical bid to cut her sentenceFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113013/copy-of-news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113013/copy-of-news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Baby's abusers are jailed for life, Tai Chi 'can ease the pain of arthritis', Nursery monster Vanessa George torments families from jail by naming victims in cynical bid to cut her sentenceFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112998/new-centre-pledges-to-drive-up-standards-of-case-inquiries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112998/new-centre-pledges-to-drive-up-standards-of-case-inquiries.htmlA new centre for inquiries into the deaths of children and vulnerable adults is being launched by two universities to help services learn lessons from serious cases.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112946/autism-bill-becomes-englands-first-law-for-specific-disability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112946/autism-bill-becomes-englands-first-law-for-specific-disability.htmlThe Autism Bill has become England's first law covering a specific disability, after the House of Lords joined the Commons in backing the legislation. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlAgeism in the NHS, which turns elderly patients into second-class citizens, is to be outlawed.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112904/adass-mental-health-plans-must-go-further-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112904/adass-mental-health-plans-must-go-further-on-personalisation.htmlThe government must do more to address the personalisation of care and support in the development of its new mental health strategy, councils and third sector leaders have warned.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlThe Department of Health has written to adult social care directors urging them to finalise plans to vaccinate frontline social care staff against swine flu, with the inoculation programme due to begin this month.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112898/michelle-morales-why-social-work-is-the-job-for-me.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112898/michelle-morales-why-social-work-is-the-job-for-me.htmlSenior social worker Michelle Morales, a locum approved mental health professional in Cambridgeshire employed by Bluecare Social Care, explains why social work is the vocation for her Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112869/mental-health-trusts-must-improve-on-learning-disabilitycamhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112869/mental-health-trusts-must-improve-on-learning-disabilitycamhs.htmlMental health trusts must improve services for people with learning disabilities and children and young people, a sector leader has admitted as the Care Quality Commission identified problems in both areas in its annual health check, published today.Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/14/112857/stephen-fry-and-alastair-campbell-join-mental-health-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/14/112857/stephen-fry-and-alastair-campbell-join-mental-health-campaign.htmlAlastair Campbell and Stephen Fry have joined leading scientists and campaigners in calling for a near trebling of mental health research spending over the next five years.Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112845/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-end-mental-health-age-divide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112845/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-end-mental-health-age-divide.htmlMental health services must abolish the 'arbitrary' division between adults' and older people's provision to end ageism in care, the Royal College of Psychiatrists said today.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112807/mental-health-chiefs-to-meet-cqc-over-controversial-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112807/mental-health-chiefs-to-meet-cqc-over-controversial-survey.htmlMental health trust chiefs are set to meet with the Care Quality Commission in two weeks time amid continuing concerns over the regulator's handling of results from its national inpatients survey.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112791/inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112791/inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Teenage mother who stubbed out cigarette on her baby daughter's back because she was 'stressed out' is jailed; Study reveals alarming level of drug errors in care homesTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112790/news-round-up-inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112790/news-round-up-inquiry-into-care-home-girls-who-leapt-to-their-deaths.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Teenage mother who stubbed out cigarette on her baby daughter's back because she was 'stressed out' is jailed; Study reveals alarming level of drug errors in care homesTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112767/welfare-rights-keep-claimants-up-to-date-with-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112767/welfare-rights-keep-claimants-up-to-date-with-changes.htmlMake sure claimants know about the latest benefits because the Department for Work and Pensions can be rather coy about publicising them, to the detriment of many, writes Gary Vaux Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112758/raise-a-cup-of-tea-to-mark-world-mental-health-day.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112758/raise-a-cup-of-tea-to-mark-world-mental-health-day.htmlTo mark World Mental Health Day, Mark Drinkwater catches up with two campaigns run by Mind and Rethink and hails the benefits of a cup of tea Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112700/mind-and-drugscope-urge-action-on-adults-with-multiple-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112700/mind-and-drugscope-urge-action-on-adults-with-multiple-needs.htmlA group of charities representing adults with a variety of issues has unveiled a manifesto for government to develop a strategy for agencies to work together in a more coordinated fashion to better provide all the help they need.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112717/appleby-accuses-care-quality-commission-of-seeking-headlines.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112717/appleby-accuses-care-quality-commission-of-seeking-headlines.htmlA top Department of Health civil servant has launched a scathing attack on the Care Quality Commission for its "deliberately distorting" presentation of a survey of acute mental health inpatients last week.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112667/mental-health-barriers-to-suitable-care-for-young-identified.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112667/mental-health-barriers-to-suitable-care-for-young-identified.htmlAdult inpatient mental health services face significant staffing and training barriers to meeting their legal duty to provide age appropriate treatment for young people by April 2010.Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112681/radar-disabled-have-less-access-to-career-boosters.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112681/radar-disabled-have-less-access-to-career-boosters.htmlMentoring and senior management support are key to reaching senior job roles, however disabled people are far less likely to receive this than others, a survey by disability network Radar has found.Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112694/book-review-1-october-2009.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112694/book-review-1-october-2009.html Mental Capacity Act 2005: Implications for people with learning disabilities Elaine Hardie and Liz Brooks, BILD Publications ISBN 9781905218066 This new guide covers the topics its title might lead one to expect, and it includes a useful chapter on communication and case studies that set the Mental Capacity Act in a learning disabilities context, writes David Hewitt. It is aimed at those who work with people with a learning disability, and at their family, carers or friends. They should, of course, have access to clear, practical guidance on the act, but one wonders whether this is in any way superior to what already exists. The Office of the Public Guardian, for example, has published booklets for each of this book's target groups, and they are available free. This raises a more general point: what is the value of books such as this when a clear - and legally binding - code of practice also exists? What those books gain by their brevity they too often lose by it as...Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112685/hammersmith-fulham-deadline-nears-on-new-staff-terms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112685/hammersmith-fulham-deadline-nears-on-new-staff-terms.htmlHammersmith and Fulham Council insists it will be able to deliver all statutory services, including social work and mental health, as a deadline looms for staff to accept reduced terms and conditions.Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112679/dh-and-cqc-give-contrasting-views-on-mental-health-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112679/dh-and-cqc-give-contrasting-views-on-mental-health-survey.htmlThe Department of Health and the Care Quality Commission have issued contrasting verdicts of a survey of acute mental health inpatients published by the regulator today.Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112640/phil-hope-sets-out-labours-pre-election-stall-on-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112640/phil-hope-sets-out-labours-pre-election-stall-on-adult-care.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has reiterated the need for change in the way adult social care is funded, as the Department of Health continues its series of roadshows on the green paper.Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112669/cqc-mental-health-patients-feel-let-down-by-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112669/cqc-mental-health-patients-feel-let-down-by-services.htmlA Care Quality Commission survey of acute mental health inpatient services in England today revealed that too great a proportion felt they were let down in some important aspects of the care they received.Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112662/mother-who-killed-teenage-daughters-sentenced-to-33-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112662/mother-who-killed-teenage-daughters-sentenced-to-33-years.htmlA mother who stabbed her two teenage daughters to death after her marriage broke down was today sentenced to serve a minimum of 33 years in prison. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112634/harnessing-the-power-of-laughter.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112634/harnessing-the-power-of-laughter.htmlPerforming stand-up comedy is notoriously nerve-wracking but a scheme in Scotland has harnessed the power of laughter to build the confidence of service users. (Pic: Andy Buchanan/UNP)Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112602/personality-disorders-residential-units-backed-in-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112602/personality-disorders-residential-units-backed-in-consultation.htmlRespondents to a major consultation on the future of services for adults in southern England with severe personality disorders have strongly backed the retention or expansion of residential services.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112610/psychiatrists-call-for-crackdown-on-pro-eating-disorder-sites.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112610/psychiatrists-call-for-crackdown-on-pro-eating-disorder-sites.htmlThe Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for government action to protect young people from the influence of pro-eating disorder websites.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112595/welsh-government-urged-to-improve-mental-health-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112595/welsh-government-urged-to-improve-mental-health-care.htmlThe Welsh government needs to take urgent action to improve mental health services in Wales, assembly members have said.Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112590/joint-working-campaign-launched-to-combat-exclusion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112590/joint-working-campaign-launched-to-combat-exclusion.htmlSocial workers and other public sector professionals are being urged to make use of a new good practice toolkit on working together to help socially excluded adults.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112589/voice-uk-to-use-hate-crime-funds-to-extend-helpline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112589/voice-uk-to-use-hate-crime-funds-to-extend-helpline.htmlVoice UK, the charity that supports learning disabled crime or abuse victims, will extend the opening hours of its helpline after receiving £50,000 as part of government plans to tackle hate crime.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112566/government-issues-proposals-to-tackle-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112566/government-issues-proposals-to-tackle-disability-hate-crime.htmlThe government aims to tackle hate crimes against disabled people and other groups of vulnerable people more vigorously with a range of new laws and policy actions set out in its Hate Crime Action Plan, published yesterday.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/11/112553/northern-ireland-to-have-first-unified-mental-health-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/11/112553/northern-ireland-to-have-first-unified-mental-health-law.htmlThe Northern Ireland executive has been hailed for announcing plans for a "world-first" single piece of legislation covering people with mental health problems and those who lack capacity.Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/11/112558/swine-flu-charities-concerned-over-mental-health-act-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/11/112558/swine-flu-charities-concerned-over-mental-health-act-plans.htmlMental health charities have outlined concerns on proposed temporary changes to the detention of patients under the Mental Health Act in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak.Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112516/ncvo-sounds-alarm-over-cuts-in-charities-state-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112516/ncvo-sounds-alarm-over-cuts-in-charities-state-funding.htmlLooming government funding cuts could spell disaster for vital local services provided by the voluntary sector, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has warned.Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112511/working-with-man-with-a-history-of-bipolar-disorder-and-substance-misuse-who-is-accused-of-assault.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112511/working-with-man-with-a-history-of-bipolar-disorder-and-substance-misuse-who-is-accused-of-assault.htmlSocial workers and a service user offer advice on a case involving a man with mental health problems who uses drugs Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/03/112494/reports-into-peter-bryan-killings-criticise-mental-health-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/03/112494/reports-into-peter-bryan-killings-criticise-mental-health-care.htmlTwo London mental health trusts were criticised today for failings in the care of a mentally-ill man who went on to kill two people, one of whom was also a mental health patient.Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/03/112487/mentally-ill-inmates-not-receiving-employment-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/03/112487/mentally-ill-inmates-not-receiving-employment-support.htmlPrisoners with mental health problems are not being given the help they need to find work when they are released, a leading charity has claimed. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112432/royal-college-slow-progress-on-mental-health-for-bme-elders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112432/royal-college-slow-progress-on-mental-health-for-bme-elders.htmlLittle progress has been made in improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic older people over the past eight years, according to a review by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112392/risk-factor-using-animals-to-help-a-young-person-with-challenging-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112392/risk-factor-using-animals-to-help-a-young-person-with-challenging-behaviour.htmlYoung offender case study and risksWed, 19 Aug 2009 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112346/audit-commission-social-care-demand-to-rise-further.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112346/audit-commission-social-care-demand-to-rise-further.htmlDemand for mental health and children's services will continue to rise as the longer-term effects of the recession and unemployment become evident, the Audit Commission has warned.Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112323/young-adults-mental-health-problems-flagged-in-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112323/young-adults-mental-health-problems-flagged-in-report.htmlThe major mental health problems suffered by young adults from vulnerable backgrounds, particularly those in custody, have been highlighted by a wide-ranging study of data from Young Adults Today.Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112305/youngminds-praises-progress-on-camhs-targets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112305/youngminds-praises-progress-on-camhs-targets.htmlYoung Minds has welcomed the progress made by councils in improving child and adolescent mental health services, as the first figures from a new self-reporting system were published by the DCSF.Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112309/youngminds-childrens-manifesto-sets-out-demands-for-better-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112309/youngminds-childrens-manifesto-sets-out-demands-for-better-services.htmlCharity YoungMinds has consulted young mental health service users on a new approach to provision. Emma Parsons reportsFri, 07 Aug 2009 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112312/is-the-roll-out-of-talking-therapies-fast-enough.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112312/is-the-roll-out-of-talking-therapies-fast-enough.htmlUsing cognitive behavioural therapy and evidence-based therapies, a programme known as IAPT is filling a void in mental health provision, writes Andrew Mickel Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112276/birmingham-scrs-point-to-parental-mental-health-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112276/birmingham-scrs-point-to-parental-mental-health-failings.htmlBirmingham Safeguarding Children Board has highlighted major concerns over the treatment of mothers with mental health problems in three serious case reviews into child deaths and serious injuries.Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/03/112244/working-with-parental-mental-ill-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/03/112244/working-with-parental-mental-ill-health.htmlToo often, the children of parents with mental health issues are taken into care because their needs as a family go unnoticed. Louise Hunt looks at how this can be addressed Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/24/112182/new-horizons-10-year-mental-health-strategy-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/24/112182/new-horizons-10-year-mental-health-strategy-launched.htmlSocial workers concerned about personalised care for people with mental health problems need more training, says care services minister Phil Hope, as he launches strategy to improve mental wellbeing and quality of servicesFri, 24 Jul 2009 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112135/sainsbury-centre-backs-criminal-justice-mental-health-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112135/sainsbury-centre-backs-criminal-justice-mental-health-teams.htmlCampaigners have urged the government to press ahead with plans to create a national network of specialist criminal justice mental health teams to prevent vulnerable people being locked up needlessly.Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112147/cqc-slams-mental-health-trust-for-unacceptable-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112147/cqc-slams-mental-health-trust-for-unacceptable-standards.htmlThe Care Quality Commission heavily criticised West London Mental Health NHS Trust today for providing standards of care that were “unacceptable in the 21st century”.Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/20/112146/mental-health-patients-at-risk-due-to-inadequate-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/20/112146/mental-health-patients-at-risk-due-to-inadequate-training.htmlMental health staff caring for people detained under the Mental Health Act are putting them at risk because they lack training in restraint methods, according to an inspectorate report.Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/17/112139/trusts-miss-target-to-keep-under-16s-off-adult-psychiatric-units.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/17/112139/trusts-miss-target-to-keep-under-16s-off-adult-psychiatric-units.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has rebuked mental health trusts for failing to meet a target to treat all under-16 year olds in children and adolescent rather than adult psychiatric wards.Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/17/112131/disclosing-mental-health-problems-when-applying-for-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/17/112131/disclosing-mental-health-problems-when-applying-for-jobs.htmlDisclosing a past mental health problem to your employer can work both ways, writes Craig Kenny, who finds that disability legislation fails to offer adequate protection Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/14/112100/consultation-on-services-for-people-with-personality-disorders-draws-to-a-close.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/14/112100/consultation-on-services-for-people-with-personality-disorders-draws-to-a-close.htmlDaniel Lombard reports on the four options coming...Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/02/111977/drive-to-attract-nurses-into-approved-mental-health-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/02/111977/drive-to-attract-nurses-into-approved-mental-health-role.htmlA commission on the future of nursing in England is to explore ways to encourage more mental health nurses to train as approved mental health professionals.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111970/people-with-depression-lack-access-to-exercise-therapy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111970/people-with-depression-lack-access-to-exercise-therapy.htmlPeople with depression are losing out on potentially beneficial exercise therapy because of a lack of schemes for health professionals to refer patients on to, the Mental Health Foundation said today.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/29/111949/helping-people-with-mental-health-problems-who-are-in-debt.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/29/111949/helping-people-with-mental-health-problems-who-are-in-debt.htmlPeople with mental health problems are often prone to debt and practitioners need to be aware of solutions for service users in this position. Vern Pitt reports Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/22/111898/psychiatric-units-unable-to-implement-smoking-ban.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/22/111898/psychiatric-units-unable-to-implement-smoking-ban.htmlMost psychiatric units have failed to fully implement the ban on smoking and many have reported a rise in 'secret smoking' by patients, the Mental Health Foundation said today. (Pic: Rex Features)Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111853/radar-probes-barriers-to-career-success-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111853/radar-probes-barriers-to-career-success-for-disabled.htmlDisability network Radar has launched research into the barriers disabled people face in climbing the career ladde