05/07/06 -� Self-directed support - new national guidance

The Scottish Executive has launched new national guidance on self-directed support. It replaces earlier guidance on direct payments issued on June 20, 2003 and is designed to improve take-up of self-directed support.

The guidance is based on best practice recommendations from national working groups, national research work and the evidence of the Care Inquiry. It takes account of responses to a public consultation held in 2006. The specific tasks for local authorities to fund are:

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• � a local support service which, where possible, should be independent and user-led

• early involvement of individuals with the local support service to assist with self-assessment and care planning

• other essential training for individuals on self-directed support, and training of personal assistants

• all basic costs within a Personal Assistant’s employer's package, where appropriate

• designated self-directed support lead officers or teams within each local authority

• training on self-directed support for care managers, finance managers and local authority directors

• enhanced disclosures for Personal Assistants employed by individuals on self-directed support

• legal support for Personal Assistant employers where appropriate e.g. indemnity insurance

• packages during Personal Assistant employers' short stays in hospital, where appropriate

• payments for self-directed support on a gross basis and to recover the individual's contribution later

Self-directed support is part Shifting the Balance of Scotland's health care towards sustaining and improving health and preventing longer term conditions through an emphasis on self-help and support that is continuous, integrated and individualised. It includes services for children, for those using mental health services and for older people in receipt of free personal care. �It is part of mainstream social care and builds upon the direct payments legislation. It can be used instead of or in addition to local authority services to support a person to live in their own home by purchasing personal care or support for participation in education and leisure.�

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The guidance is available to download at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/07/04093127/0

� Copyright Scottish Disability Equality Forum 2003-2007