2,000 people with learning disabilities and/or autism in the UK are set to spend Christmas in long-term detention

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Today, to mark International Human Rights Day, the UK’s largest not-for-profit provider of support for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, Dimensions, is calling for the government to address its inadequate provision of support for people who are stuck in Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs), as part of their Locked up for Christmas campaign.

2,000 people with learning disabilities and/or autism in the UK are set to spend Christmas in long-term detention and recent research shows that for 6 out of 10 currently locked up, it will be at least their second consecutive Christmas spent away from their families – 100 people in the UK have been locked up in ATUs for 20 years or more.

Despite ATUs being intended for short-term treatment, the average stay is almost three years due to the financial disincentives in place for both Responsible Clinicians and cash-strapped local authorities.

About Dimensions

Dimensions provides evidence-based, outcomes-focused support for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. We help people be actively involved in their communities.

They are the largest not-for-profit support provider in the UK currently supporting around 3,500 people and their families throughout England and Wales with help from our 7,000 members of staff.

Dimensions have been providing a range of support services to adults of all ages, including those with complex needs or behaviour that may challenge those around them, for over 40 years.

Being a not-for-profit organisation means that are able to invest all their efforts and resources into the important things – namely helping the people they support lead happy and fulfilled lives.

dimensions-uk.org
Facebook: @dimensionsUK
Twitter: @DimensionsUK

SEN News Team
Author: SEN News Team

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