In Scotland, a significant number of individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism remain in institutional care, despite government commitments to address this issue. A total of 1,545 people appear on the dynamic support register, with 486 classified as urgent cases. The Scottish government has pledged to implement the Coming Home report, which aims to ensure these individuals can live in a supportive environment that suits their needs and those of their families. However, challenges persist, as evidenced by an increase in institutional care facilities and ongoing breaches of these individuals' rights.
Despite the official policy to reduce institutional care, the number of hospitals and units providing multiple beds for adults with learning disabilities has risen from 323 in 2021 to 345. Particularly concerning is the plight of 55 individuals who have been confined in hospital settings for over a decade. The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has highlighted that the rights of people with learning disabilities are being systematically violated, labeling them as "voiceless."
The SHRC has criticized the Scottish government's failure to effectively transition the majority of locked-in patients from hospitals to independent living arrangements. Although the government has committed to necessary changes, current structures, policies, and interventions are deemed "inadequate" for achieving this goal. A £20 million fund intended to facilitate this transition remains largely unspent, with some funds reportedly allocated to refurbishing existing institutions rather than directly supporting independent living.
The SHRC demands transparency from the Scottish government regarding the allocation of these funds. This call for accountability underscores the pressing need for action, as the government previously pledged to relocate most individuals with learning disabilities from hospitals by March 2024—a deadline that has already passed without fulfillment. Presently, 195 people with learning disabilities remain in hospital, including 85 experiencing delayed discharge.
"People's homes should not be in hospitals." – report in 2000
The commitment to the Coming Home initiative is emphasized by Maree Todd, who stated the government has provided additional support and investment to health and social care partnerships to drive improvements. Local authorities also express dedication to the report's full implementation and are striving to overcome obstacles to ensure appropriate living environments for affected individuals.
"Coming Home is a priority for this government, this is why we have provided additional support and investment to health and social care partnerships to deliver improvements." – Maree Todd
"Local authorities are committed to full implementation of the Coming Home report and working to overcome the barriers to ensuring that everyone is able to live in an environment that is right for them and their families." – A spokesperson for Cosla
Despite these assurances, the SHRC insists urgent action and new legislation are necessary in Scotland to uphold the right to independent living, which continues to be breached daily. The exclusion of individuals with learning disabilities in forensic units from official figures further complicates efforts to address this crisis.
"They said it would not work," they said it would be impossible. That he would be back. And he is not back – he is thriving." – Ian Meikle
Ian Meikle's statement highlights the potential success stories when individuals with learning disabilities receive appropriate support outside institutional settings. Such testimonials underscore the importance of realizing the Coming Home report's goals.
