The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee of Waltham Forest Council was scheduled to discuss several key areas impacting residents. These included the effectiveness of integrated hospital discharge processes, pathways for mental health and housing, and the council's response to domestic abuse. Additionally, the committee was set to review a new practice development model known as Three Conversations and consider updates to the committee's forward plan.

Review of the Integrated Hospital Discharge Function

The committee was scheduled to review the effectiveness of the integrated discharge team (IDT), a joint initiative between Waltham Forest Council, Whipps Cross Hospital, Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group, and North East London Foundation Trust. The report highlighted that while the IDT works hard to discharge residents, communication across the partnership could be improved. It noted successes in meeting national targets for reducing Delayed Transfers of Care (DTOC) in the previous year, but acknowledged current performance was off target due to increased health-related delays. Recommendations from a review included establishing a shared vision for discharge, agreeing on principles for timely and independent discharge, and developing short, medium, and long-term action plans. These plans aimed to improve joint working, data sharing, system reviews, and staffing capacity to ensure responsive discharge processes.

Mental Health and Housing Pathways

A report was scheduled to outline the progress made by Adult Social Care (ASC) and North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) in enhancing housing pathways for residents with mental health needs. This work, stemming from a previous themed review and identified as a priority by NELFT, aimed to improve outcomes and optimise the use of accommodation and support services. A task and finish group had been established, involving various council departments and NELFT. Progress included using case studies to identify system issues, improving information sharing for pre-eviction panels, and agreeing on a quota for general needs accommodation to facilitate recovery pathways. The report also detailed plans to better understand core demand, analyse current spot placements to inform future commissioning, identify multi-agency processes for complex individuals, and engage with a wider range of providers.

Adult Social Care Activity in Relation to Domestic Abuse: Update Report

The committee was to receive an update on Adult Social Care's (ASC) current activities concerning domestic abuse. The report focused on the Safeguarding Adults and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Service's efforts to equip ASC staff with the skills to identify and respond to domestic abuse, and to ensure policies and procedures align with legislation and best practice. Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a priority for the borough, with ASC represented on relevant boards. The report detailed the statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 regarding safeguarding adults and defined domestic abuse within this context. Local data from the police and MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) indicated a significant number of domestic abuse incidents and offences, with referrals to support services increasing. The report also highlighted achievements such as a MARAC rota for ASC teams, the identification of MARAC champions, and the implementation of a revised Safeguarding Adults IT framework to better monitor domestic abuse concerns.

Three Conversations - Benchmarking with Other Local Authorities

This report was intended to summarise the findings from benchmarking exercises with Windsor and Maidenhead, Redbridge, and Essex councils regarding the Three Conversations model of practice development. This model, which aims to manage demand and resources more effectively and improve life chances, replaces the traditional assessment for services approach with a focus on asset-based conversations. The report detailed the Golden Rules of the model, which emphasise working with individuals, listening to their needs during a crisis, and focusing on their strengths and community connections. Successes reported by Windsor and Maidenhead included positive resident feedback, improved referral allocation rates, and reduced timescales for support plans. Redbridge's experience with their People Matter approach also indicated increased service user involvement, reduced bureaucracy, and financial savings. Case studies from both councils illustrated how the model had positively impacted residents' lives by facilitating independence and appropriate support.

Committee Forward Plan, Action Tracker and Action Updates

The committee was scheduled to review its Forward Plan for 2018/19, its Action Tracker, and associated Action Updates. The Forward Plan outlines the key items the committee intends to scrutinise throughout the year, including themed reviews, specific service areas, and policy updates. The Action Tracker details the progress made on previous recommendations and actions agreed by the committee. The Action Updates provide more detailed responses and progress reports on specific items. This agenda item allows the committee to monitor its own work and ensure that previous discussions and agreed actions are being followed up effectively.