Torfaen social services need to work with others – report

A report released by Torfaen Council stresses the need to work more closely with neighbouring local authorities and organisations such as the NHS, Police and voluntary sector.

Its second annual report of the director of social services says working together across council departments as well as with other bodies and agencies will become increasingly important in the current economic climate.

Its author, the council’s locality director, social care, housing and health, Sue Evans, highlights the need to develop joined-up services to stretch limited resources.

She cites community-based services already being developed in Torfaen and delivered jointly with other agencies, such as the Gwent Frailty Pathway and the Falls Service.

Ms Evans called partnership working “fundamental to our success”, stating that the needs of an individual cannot always be met by a single agency approach.

She said: “We are aiming to improve the way we work with families within their communities, so that all agencies working in that area develop a shared responsibility for supporting the most vulnerable.”

As well as reflecting on the delivery of social care services for adults and children in 2009/10, the report sets out some of Torfaen’s key priorities for 2010/11.

These include recruiting additional foster carers, developing new services to prevent carer breakdown, further developing mental health services for adults and deveoloping options for those who require supported accomodation.

Torfaen’s Annual Report is available to download at torfaen.gov.uk Alternatively, you can obtain a copy by contacting Torfaen Customer Care on 01495 762200.