Some instant thoughts on the @HumanRightsCtte report into abusive detention of young people with autism & learning disabilities
1) This starts from the key position: human rights of many people with autism and learning disabilities are being breached and there needs to be rapid change to end the 'horrific reality' that is 'inflicting terrible suffering on those detained...and their distraught families.'
2) Yes, there most definitely needs to be political leadership from the top, something that has been sorely missing despite endless hot air. Really good to see the committee demand this comes from a special unit set up in Downing Street, such is the severity of the hideous abuse
3) The MPs are right to say it should not be up to journalists such as myself to expose abuse - thanks for the kind words btw - & that the regulator clearly failing. Incredibly damning on the @CareQualityComm: 'a regulator which gets it wrong is worse than no regulator at all”.
4) Interesting - and right - to see the suggestion of unannounced weekend inspections and use of 'covert surveillance' to help stem the abuse. (Although ultimately, I fear the abuse is symptomatic of a repressive mental health system and bigoted wider societal attitudes)
5) The committee is also right to point the finger of blame at local commissioners, many of whom are woefully failing in both their jobs and legal duties. Absolutely spot-on to place tighter legal duties on councils and CGC's to deliver decent community services.
6) Also correct to demand a 'narrowing' of the mental health act criteria. It is totally discriminatory to describe autism as a mental disorder, underlining how discrimination rots the system from the top down.
7) I like the emphasis on families as 'human rights defenders'. This is spot-on: 'too often families of young people, who may be desperately trying advocate on behalf of their children are considered to be the problem, when they can and should to be the solution.'
8) The inquiry focused on younger people but recognises 'there are many older adults in similar situations, some of whom are now detained because of failures to provide adequate support for them when they were younger' and that the recommendations apply to all, regardless of age.
9) Lots more to say about the bravery of those giving evidence such as @JeremyH09406697 and @TwittleyJules, the support of long-term advocates such as @simonjduffy, the dismal ministerial & CQC evidence, and vital role also in this scandal's exposure by the BBC and Sky.
10) Finally, worth recognising some of our much-maligned MPs under @HarrietHarman's guidance stepped up to the plate here. The report is not perfect - I'd like to see ministers given 6 months to set out a path to freedom for every detained person - but it is a big step forward
@HarrietHarman 11) But will anything change? We've had so many reviews, so many reports, so many inquiries, so many pledges of action.
We know the problems. We know the solutions. Please do something @BorisJohnson & @MattHancock - or stop lying that the NHS & patients are safe in your hands
We know the problems. We know the solutions. Please do something @BorisJohnson & @MattHancock - or stop lying that the NHS & patients are safe in your hands
