regulatory policy

In 2016, the UK government launched a groundbreaking drive to reduce the use of psychotropic drugs for people with autism and learning disabilities. But recent figures show that while prescribing rates for antipsychotics have fallen since the campaign’s launch, antidepressants, hypnotics, and stimulants have all risen.

Ciara Lawrence, Campaigns Support Officer for Mencap, writes about her horror at seeing the abuse of people with learning disabilities in care homes - and calls on the government to take action. 

Darren Devine discusses the widespread nature of the use of restraint and seclusion in schools for learning disabled children, and speaks to those campaigning to change this. 

The Care Quality Commission has pledged to review restrictive interventions (restraint, prolonged seclusion, and segregation) in a variety of settings.

In order to protect vulnerable people, the Government has brought forward a Bill that proposes amendments to the Mental Capacity Bill. 

Toolkit for accommodating neurodivergent workers is created for employers.

The Care Quality Commission brought the prosecution against the owners of Mossley Manor Care Home in Liverpool.

Mayo House, a service providing care and accommodation for people with complex behavioural support needs, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors.

A specialist care home in Teignmouth, Devon, for adults with complex needs including autism, behaviours that challenge, acquired brain injury and learning disabilities, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

NHS England has published proposals to close England’s last old-style long-stay learning disability hospital at Calderstones in Lancashire, and create more community support for people with a learning disability and/or autism in the Northwest.