Learning disabilities and mental ill health: care plans

Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and treatment are particularly important for clients who present with learning disabilities and mental health problems (O'Hara and Sperlinger, 1997). This should not be restricted to professionals who work in services for people with learning disabilities and should include a wider network of professionals from statutory services and the independent sector. This arrangement can be complex as different agencies and even different departments of the same agency may differ fundamentally in their philosophy, vision and understanding of their own and other's roles and responsibilities. It is vital that these differences are recognised and dealt with so that they do not become a barrier to accessing best practice. Only in this way can the person benefit fully and have their needs met.