A group of Jersey charities and professional bodies have come together to establish a ‘Learning Disability and Autism Professionals Charter’, setting a common and consistent approach as they look to work together in line with the Government’s Disability Strategy.
The Charter was drawn up to set high standards and best practice in the provision of care for those with learning disabilities and autism and will hopefully encourage more social care providers and staff to join the Charter in future.
Among those who have initially signed up to the Charter are Les Amis, Beresford Street Kitchen, Jersey Employment Trust, Jersey Mencap, Autism Jersey and the Government of Jersey.
The Government’s Disability Strategy was released in February, focusing on how the island can best support disabled islanders to provide them with access to education, employment, activities, and equal rights through a continued flow of information and communication. The Charter expands upon these objectives, setting out a framework through which participants can provide those under their care a better quality life on the island.
Paul McGinnety, Director of Local Services, explained to Channel Eye: “Whilst the Disability Strategy sets in place some good goals for the island, we felt a Charter would ensure that as many care providers as possible are committed to upholding best working practices when it comes to caring for those with learning disabilities and autism.
“Coming out of the Covid pandemic, we have the opportunity to adjust the way we work for the good of the community and a united approach can only bring greater benefits to those who are in a vulnerable position. Together we aim to reinforce the importance of maintaining a high quality of care and the need to work alongside those with learning disabilities and autism to best inform any organisation’s approach.”
