Eligibility and selection criteria - Specialist Community Learning Disability Service

Eligibility

The Specialist Community Learning Disability Service will work with service users:

who have an intellectual impairment (IQ of <70, significant impairment in day-to-day functioning and that these arise before the age of 18) or those who require a diagnostic/eligibility assessment for a Learning Disability
who are aged 18+ at the point of referral with a Learning Disability or suspected Learning Disability (not Learning Difficulties). Where required the Service will support people to get a diagnosis if there is a specific indication of health need
who require transition from Children’s Services. Transitions will begin before the age of 18 for Service Users in Children’s Services in line with Provider transitions policies which suggest age 17.5
with a specific unmet or complex health need related to their Learning Disability (i.e., the Service User has a health need which requires an intervention or treatment which can be met by the Specialist Community Learning Disability Service)
with behaviours of concern / distressed behaviours related to their learning disability or life experience
with needs which can’t be met by mainstream Services despite the Services making reasonable adjustments and using Green Light working
who are Sheffield patients placed in out of area Specialist Learning Disability provision and are returning to Sheffield and need discharge planning
who are supported by providers of other Learning Disability Services (e.g., Supported Living Providers or Residential Placement Providers) where the organisation requires time-limited advice and training around the specific needs of the Service User (e.g., to support the service Users to transition into new accommodation). We will support organisations to provide time-limited advice and training around the specific needs of an individual Service User. The Service does not offer generic educational workshops and training to Providers
who have difficulties with completing activities for daily living, are unable to live safely without the support of others and have an unmet health need that the team can offer support with
who give clear consent (capacity to consent) to work with the service or where the service is acting in the best interests of a Service User who lacks the capacity to consent.

Referral process

The service has a central referral hub for all referrals. Referrals can come from anyone involved with a service user, this may include GPs, Primary and Secondary Health Services, Social Care Services, Voluntary and Private Sector Organisations. Service users can refer themselves or a carer or family member can refer on their behalf, via a referral form.

Service users will be allocated to the standard or enhanced offer according to the information gathered, clinical decision making and dependent on risk. The offer determines the level and speed of response, as well as the approaches available. Service users may move between pathways depending on clinical prioritisation and risk rating. Each service user is allocated a named lead professional and associate professional.

Geographical population covered

People who are registered with a Sheffield GP or ordinarily live in Sheffield. This includes where a service user is transitioning to a placement in Sheffield or from a placement in Sheffield to another locality for up to 12 weeks (e.g., while GP registration is completed, and/or part of an agreed transition plan).