Risk Assessment in Adult Learning Disabilities - Dissertation Example

Current policy regarding eligibility for Essex County Council’s services includes needs that come within the Critical and Substantial bands. Eligibility for Learning Disability or other services in the purview of Adult Social Care is next in priority, with a focus on the service that should be delivered (ECC 2008). Social service practice in the area of individuals with learning difficulties is based on legislation and policy which guide the work of Essex County Council. Risk assessment and management are key to treating people with LD.

In this Patch One, the policy agendas that are implemented in practice at Essex County Council will be identified. The ways in which ideas of risk are talked about in these agendas will be explained. Personalization and Personalised Learning form a part of the Every Child Matters policy. Personalization is the establishment of children, young people and their families “as responsible service users who are active participants in the shaping, development, and delivery of personalized services” (Cheminais 2007, p.120). Through personalized learning, children and young people are enabled to achieve their personal best by means of working through methods best suited for the specific service users.

Safeguarding, which is also a part of the Every Child Matters policy, refers to the process of “identifying children and young people who have suffered or are likely to suffer significant harm and the subsequent action to keep them safe” (Cheminais 2007, p.120). The Safeguarding policy addresses vulnerable children or young people who are those at risk of social exclusion, who are disadvantaged, and whose life chances are at risk, including children with learning disabilities and difficulties (LDD).