Young people with learning disabilities lack independence

The report, Services for Young People and Adolescents, was put together after the watchdog visited eight specialist learning disability services for young people in 2007.

It found young people were generally safe and protected from abuse, and their health needs were met overall. It also found they were well supported by staff.

But the watchdog said young people should be given more control over their lives, such as being supported to shop for groceries, cook meals and manage money.

Not all young people had opportunities to socialise with friends or find education and employment outside of specialist services.

The Healthcare Commission has now announced it will visit 48 inpatient learning disability services to look at progress made since its last national audit. This will include two adolescent services.

Anna Walker, chief executive of the commission, said: "If we don't keep the pressure up, we risk being in the same place in the future talking about the same problems."

Steve Shrubb, director of the Mental Health Network, added: "Overall services for young people with learning disabilities are safe and meet health needs. At the same time, the NHS needs to make further progress in helping young people with learning disabilities."

The Healthcare Commission is also working with the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Act Commission to review how services are commissioned by local authorities and primary care trusts for people with learning disabilities.