A specialist autism facility in Armagh is to close its doors in Armagh next March.
Autism Initiatives NI unit in Boyd’s Row says it will not be renewing its contract to provide supported living services in Armagh after March 31, 2025.
Notice has been given to the Southern Health Trust.
A spokesperson for Autism Initiatives NI said: “This was a very difficult decision for our organisation to make, but has been taken based on workforce issues, financial demands and unsubstantiated and anonymous safeguarding allegations that have all had a cumulative impact on our resources and therefore the viability of our service provision in that location.
“The impact on families, the people we support and employees arising from these anonymous allegations has been significant. Despite our best efforts and hard work, the organisation had concerns about the sustainability of the service at Boyd’s Row, and therefore its ability to meet its contractual obligations to the Southern Trust. Alternative arrangements are being progressed by SHSCT and we are supporting this process.
“Autism Initiatives has not laid staff off, nor plans to lay staff off, because of the notice of termination of the contract with SHSCT to deliver services in Boyd’s Row. There are no outcomes yet to ascertain what will happen to the service. SHSCT will work with parents on this. Autism Initiatives is not involved in the finding of accommodation or provider.
“Unfortunately, we have been the subject of safeguarding allegations from an anonymous source(s), these allegations were immediately referred to the relevant authorities. We took appropriate precautionary measures at the earliest opportunity, and the vast majority of those allegations have now closed and have found not to be confirmed.
“As a result of these allegations, we took action to protect service users and staff accused. Four people were suspended and two people were placed on office based alternative duties. A return-to-work process is being undertaken for those who previously suspended as a precautionary measure, where allegations were unsubstantiated. Some precautionary protection measures remain in place whilst we follow our internal processes.
“We have worked with the SHSCT throughout this period, providing them with all relevant information and we have also notified the RQIA and the NI Social Care Council, following the normal procedures.”
A spokesperson for the Southern Health Trust said: “Autism Initiatives recently notified the Trust that it has taken the difficult decision to end its contract to provide supported living accommodation for a very small number of individuals in Armagh, on March 31.
“There were a number of contributory factors which led Autism Initiatives to make this decision which included financial pressures, safeguarding allegations and workforce challenges.
“Trust staff have worked hard to support Autism Initiatives with the ongoing challenges experienced at this supported living accommodation.
“The Trust is continuing to work with these service users/families and advocacy representatives to identify suitable alternatives to ensure the current tenants can continue to live independently within a community setting. The tenants will continue to live in their homes whilst alternative arrangements are being made.
“All allegations of abuse, exploitation or neglect of tenants were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated in line with the Joint Protocol for Investigation of Adult Safeguarding Cases, 2016 and the Regional Adult Safeguarding Procedures, 2017.
“The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) were involved throughout the adult protection investigations. Families and Independent Advocacy have also been involved throughout this process. Recommendations were made to improve the future safeguarding of all tenants following this investigation.”
The RQIA has been contacted for comment.
