Emerson, E., & Hatton, C.,

1998,

Reviewed by Eric Emerson,
Professor of Clinical Psychology,
Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University

Methodology

Secondary analysis of 1991 Census and 1995 Local Authority returns to the Department of Health.

Critical Appraisal

Adequate discussion of quality of data sources. As both data sets are nationally comprehensive, they avoid problems associated with sampling.

Key Findings

Data from the 1991 Census suggest that: (1) there was substantial regional and national variation in the availability of residential provision for people with intellectual disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales; (2) overall, the level of provision was significantly lower than Department of Health targets for 1991 of 1.55 places per 1,000 of the adult population; (3) the majority of people with intellectual disabilities were living in relatively large-scale congregate care settings; (4) the majority of residents were younger and middle-aged adults, although a significant minority either late adolescents or very elderly; (5) young black men were significantly more likely to be placed in residential provision than their peers from other ethnic groups; (6) young Asian men, young Chinese/Other men and young Asian women were significantly less likely to be placed in residential provision than their peers from other ethnic groups; (7) rates of employment and marriage among residents were markedly lower than for the general population.

Social Work Practice/Policy Implications

Draws attention to the overall inadequacy and regional variability in the availability of supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities in England , Scotland and Wales and the extent to which the majority of adults with learning disabilities continue to be supported by their parents. Highlights the need for local Partnership Boards to: (1) work together with Housing Authorities to extend the availability of supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities (see also Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Department of Health [2003, forthcoming]. Housing and Support Options for People with Learning Disabilities. London: ODPM and DH.); (2) recognise and support the key role played by families in providing accommodation for adults with learning disabilities; (3) plan actively to ensure that people supported by elderly parents move into supported accommodation in a timely and orderly fashion (see also Mencap [2002]. The Housing Time Bomb. London : Mencap).