Out of Sight - Who Cares? CQC publish progress report

In November 2020 the Care Quality Commission published ‘Out of Sight- who cares?’ a report about the use of restraint, seclusion and segregation for autistic people, and people with a learning disability and/or mental health condition.

Today (2^nd December 2021) CQC published a progress report, tracking the recommendations made in 2020. The report optimistically suggests the ‘health and care system has taken action to understand the needs of people with a learning disability and autistic people in inpatient units.’

Despite the words of commitment from key stakeholders over the last year, there has been little change to the lives of many individuals with learning disabilities, autistic people and their families. The report notes:

‘……, much still needs to be done to improve the health and care experiences of people with a learning disability and autistic people’.

and makes suggestions for what needs to happen next including:

• Early intervention
• Provision of crisis support in the community
• More appropriate housing provision, with a workforce in place who have the right skills to support people
• Improved commissioning, tailored to meet individual needs
• A commitment to embedding human rights in decision making at the system and organisational levels.

These suggestions are not new and have been highlighted by individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people, and their families, for several years (See Tea, Smiles and Empty Promise – published May 2021).

The report references the draft Building the Right Support action plan noting ‘there is still a need to understand how they [the actions] will be practically delivered to ensure they will make a difference.’ The government has yet to publish a detailed, resourced plan for delivery that builds on existing recommendations.

CQC will provide a full update on the 17 recommendations in Spring 2022. You can read the CBF statement on the original report, published in November 2020 here: CQC who cares report – Challenging Behaviour Foundation

Support from the CBF  

Family Support Service  

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this statement, you can call the Family Support Serviceon 0300 666 0126  

Or email us at support@thecbf.org.uk  

We are open at the following times:  

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm  

Friday: 9am – 3pm  

We offer information about challenging behaviour to anyone who provides support to a child, young person or adult with a severe learning disability. We can also signpost you to other specialist organisations and sources of information.  

Please note we are a small support service so you may not be able to get support straight away. We will support families with urgent concerns as a priority.  

Professionals are also welcome to contact the CBF.

Resources on our website  

Please consult the following information section on our website, for information sheets and signposting:  

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