Positive experiences reported by people with autism and their families due to increased awareness about autism. DHSSPS to lead with input from all Departments 1.3.3. Structures developed and funding secured to develop a public autism awareness campaign. 1.3.4 Public awareness campaign initiated. March 2014 2014
Section Two – Accessibility Action Output / Outcome Measure Responsibility Timescale User / Carer Defined Outcome (2.1) Provide information and advice 2.1.1. Improvements in signposting to services for people with autism. DHSSPS to lead with from all Departments March 2014 2.1.2. Improvements and access to a single central source of information and advice government services and support available to people with autism. DHSSPS to lead with input from all Departments March 2015 2.1.3.‘One Stop Shop’ pilot exercise commissioned and designed in the Northern HSC Trust area to share information about health and social care, housing, education, employment and benefits. DHSSPS to lead with from other stakeholders to be agreed. 2014 2.1.4. Structures established and protocols in place for the collection, recording and reporting of autism prevalence data by HSC Trusts, DHSSPS September 2013
(2.1) Provide information and advice Positive experiences reported by people with autism and families due to increased access to relevant information and advice. including where possible conditions 2.1.5 Protocols established for sharing prevalence data across government departments to aid joint planning and delivery of services where appropriate. DHSSPS September 2014 Provide services and support. 2.2.1. Improvements in referral systems and procedures from identification to assessment / diagnosis of autism through to intervention. , , 2015 2.2.2. Appropriate education provision available for people with autism to meet their needs’. DE, 2013 -2015 2.2.3 Arrangements in place to support the delivery for the implementation of Adult Autism Care Pathway. DHSSPS, HSC to lead with input from DE, March 2015 occurring
(2.2) Provide services and support. Positive experiences reported by people with autism and their families due to removal of barriers to enable easier access to services. DEL, DCAL, DSD 2.2.4 Progress achieved on the implementation of NICE Clinical Guidance CG128 and CG142 in NI. DHSSPS, HSCB March 2015 2.2.5 Barriers are removed for people with autism in accessing and using public transport by improving the provision of travel information and travel training schemes. DRD 2013-2015 2.2.6 A referral pathway established between criminal justice agencies and HSC Trusts to enhance efficiency and improve access to services as well as enabling the identification of client / offender needs DOJ to lead with input from DHSSPS March 2015
Section Three – Children, Young People and Family Action Output / Outcome Measure Responsibility Timescale User / Carer Defined Outcome (3.1) Provide joined-up, timely support services to meet the needs of families with children with autism. 3.1.1. Joint working arrangements in place between HSC Trust autism services and Education autism intervention and advisory services from point of assessment through to end of post primary education. DHSSPS to lead with input from DE September 2013 Families experience a seamless joined up approach support service. 3.1.2. Support provision for families and in particular siblings of children with autism scoped / scaled. DHSSPS March 2015
Section Five – Transitions Action Output / Outcome Measure Responsibility Timescale User / Carer Defined Outcome (5.1) Ensure that transition plans take account of the needs of people with autism. 5.1.1 Integrated transition plans developed for children with autism. CYPSP Regional Transitions sub group 2015 Recognisable benefits experienced by people with autism and their families when transitioning between services.
Section Seven – Accessing Justice Action Output / Outcome Measure Responsibility Timescale User / Carer Defined Outcome Provide additional support for people with autism in the justice system. 7.1.1. A guide for criminal justice professionals in Northern Ireland in place to assist all practitioners who may come into contact with someone with autism. DOJ Summer 2013 7.1.2. A training model (appropriate to roles and functions) developed for Criminal Justice DOJ Timescale will be confirmed after public consultation. 7.1.3. Improved service for victims and witnesses encompassing the of persons with autism delivered through a new five-year strategy for victims and witnesses of crime DOJ New strategy to be in place by April 2013 and delivered by March 2018. 7.1.4. “Achieving Best Evidence" (ABE) guidance for practitioners revised to include a specific section on interviewing witnesses with autism. DOJ Within the lifespan of the new Victims and Witnesses Strategy (2013 – 2018)
Section Eight – Being Part of the Community Action Output / Outcome Measure Responsibility Timescale User / Carer Defined Outcome Establish community social activity programmes for people with autism. 8.1.1. Self and peer advocacy support developed for people with autism and their families to avail of community and voluntary sector support. DHSSPS to lead with from DCAL and OFMDFM 2014 People with autism and their families are more actively involved in their communities.
Section Nine - Participation and Active Citizenship Action Output / Outcome Measure Responsibility Timescale User / Carer Defined Outcome (9.1) Involve people with autism in the design, development and review of policy 9.1.1. People with autism, parents, carers represented on the Project Board. DHSSPS December 2011 - May 2013 People with autism have a role in developing and evaluating policy. 9.1.2. People with autism, parents, carers involved in the implementation of the / Action Plan. DHSSPS September 2013 - 2015 9.1.3. People with autism, parents, carers involved in the development of the DOJ Victims and Witnesses Strategy. DOJ
High levels of social exclusion – due to low rates of employment and the fact that many live with parents well into adulthood; Higher probability / incidence rates of developing psychiatric / mental health conditions; Often feel that they are not adequately supported in accessing mainstream services. Ethnicity No Sexual No Is there any indication or evidence that different groups have different needs, experiences, issues and priorities in relation to the policy / decision? Yes/No/ Don’t Know Please provide details Age Yes The challenges faced by people with autism change and can increase as they get older – particularly at key transition stages of their lives – for example from child to adult services and from adult to older people’s services. Also, many disabilities increase (deteriorate) with age and some people with autism can go on to develop mental health problems. Gender No Religion No Political Opinion No Marital Status No People with autism face greater difficulties in forming relationships and who live alone experience more social isolation / become more socially isolated over time. Dependant Status Yes Parents / families with one or more children with autism may have other children / Dependants. This can cause additional stresses and challenges for families and make it more difficult for parents to devote time to all their children
Every School a Good School – A Policy for School Improvement – April 2009 Read: Succeed – A Strategy to Improve Outcomes in Literacy and Numeracy – March 2011 DEL Skills Strategy Essential Skills Strategy Employment Service Strategy (in development) Higher Education Strategy - Access to Success Success through Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Pathway to Success Strategy FE Means Business Preparing for Success – DE/DEL Careers strategy) DETI