A statement from iCG

You may have seen an item on the ITV News this week, featuring parents reporting the restriction of visits to their children; adults with learning disabilities in supporting living (i.e. they live in their own homes, supported by a care provider). We are shocked that, allegedly, restrictions were introduced as a result of parents raising concerns and formal complaints about the quality of care.

The Independent Care Group (iCG) represents a range of independent social care providers, including a number of organisations that deliver specialist supported living services designed to help individuals, who often have multiple disabilities, live as independently as possible within their own home. The care provider delivers support to these individuals, which helps them with all aspects of life. This includes their relationships with family and friends, which are a central part of everyday life.

The vast majority of providers delivering specialist supported living services do so by enabling the people they support to live the life they choose and are driven by a values-based approach with a focus on high quality care and outcomes for the person being supported.

The Independent Care Group is proud to be the representative body of over 200 members that share the values of high-quality services and person-centred care. The news item, whilst disappointing, is not representative of most supported living models.

Any parents who have concerns that they are not being listened to by a care provider, or local authorities, should contact CQC (Care Quality Commission), the independent regulator of health and social care in England, who have powers to inspect care services where there is an identified risk.