Acknowledgements

To Cardiff Council, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Mencap Cymru and Families First for support towards the funding of this edition.

To the All Wales Mental Handicap Strategy, which was launched by the Welsh Office in 1983, for an initial period of 10 years. At the time of its launch it was a unique policy which through ‘ring fenced’ funding, provided by the Welsh Office to Social Services Departments, set out to achieve three key principles. The principles are a person’s right to:

• An ordinary pattern of life within the community
• Be treated as an individual
• Additional help and support in developing their maximum potential.

The Service Principles have been upheld in the Fulfilling the Promises guidelines that were adopted by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2004.

To the Parents Federation Staff, particularly Hasina Kaderbhai, for undertaking the update of this edition.

To the members of the Editorial Group: Chris Horrocks of Cardiff Council, Martine Marshallsay of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwng University Local Health Board, Nicola Hale of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Evan Davies and Teresa Yorke-Wade of the Parents Federation for their commitment in overseeing the research and publication of Where You Stand.

To the many people and organisations who have made comments on the various sections and contributed information, advice and other assistance during the compilation of this publication.