§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many district health authorities have set up liaison committees to consider the multiple needs of children across health, education and social services;
(2) if he will issue a circular instructing all district health authorities to set up liaison committees to consider the multiple needs of children across health, education and social services.
§ Mrs. CurrieCircular HC(78)5 asked health and local authorities to establish district handicap teams to bring together health, education and social service professionals to provide a co-ordinated assessment and support service for handicapped children and their families. We are currently undertaking a project in four health districts to examine the organisation and management of community child health services and involving all the relevant authorities. The aim is to issue a guidance document to authorities with examples of good practice, in due course. The other information requested is not available centrally.