Adult placement

Mencap's adult placement service has been developed to provide an ordinary home environment for people with a learning disability.

It offers an alternative to staying in a residential home, hostel or hospital environment.

Staying with a family or individual offers someone with a learning disability a chance to mix with other family members, friends or neighbours and to join in with normal daily activities.

Who will it suit?

Adults with a learning disability, who want to lead a varied life and learn new skills. This can lead to greater independence and, if appropriate, enable people to move on to supported living.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for an assessment for Mencap's adult placement service if you are aged eighteen or over and have a learning disability. The average assessment time is between three to six months.

Cost

A weekly rent will be charged by the adult placement scheme. If you are entitled to housing benefit this will be paid directly to the carer. A contribution to household utility bills and food will also be mandatory.

If the carer is providing transport for social events or medical appointments there will be a mileage cost which will need to be agreed at the time of placement.

Funding for the placement may come from different sources, such as the government's 'Supporting People' programme or adult services.

Checks and Assessment of Carers

All carers using Mencap's CSCI Registration go through a stringent and in-depth recruitment process lasting a minimum of six months. This process includes:

• enhanced CRB check
• employment references
• personal references
• medical reference
• documented monthly meetings between carers and Mencap
• documented evidence of skills relevant to the role

All the evidence given in an assessment must be linked to the care standards. This information is then passed to an independent panel who meet to discuss if the prospective carer meets the criteria for approval.

Further information
For further information please contact:

Karen Baker (Surrey region)
Telephone: 01276-489989
Email: KarenBaker@mencap.org.uk

Or

Helen Chapman (Essex region)
Telephone: 01376 519450
Email: essex.aps@mencap.org.uk