Prepared for Hon. Minister Ryall, Minister of Health, November 2013

This independent review looks at the effectiveness of the current disability support services performance and quality management processes for residential disability providers.

The external review panel was asked to evaluate:

•The clarity of the Ministry of Health’s communications to providers on service delivery expectations
•The effectiveness of the Ministry’s processes to identify and manage safety issues
•The efficiency of the Ministry’s processes in responding to the performance of contracted providers
•The effectiveness of the reporting mechanisms and monitoring processes
The review contains 36 recommendations aimed at improving the systems, processes and tools to ensure the safety and well-being of people with disabilities. (from the website).
Among the recommendations, this review focuses on giving disabled people a voice and and providing for more flexibility and choice in care options. The review also highlights the need to ensure legislation protects disabled people, in particular there is a lack of clarity around whether the Domestic Violence Act covers abuse that occurs between a disabled person and their care-giver. The review draws lessons from three cases: Parklands, Mary Moodie and Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau.
Update: see subsequent guide for Disability Support Services, published December 2016 (#5276). Record #4290

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