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Self Directed Support
Self-directed support is when people arrange some or all of their (or their child's) support instead of receiving services arranged by your local authority social work or housing department.
Consultation on proposed self-directed support legislation
The Scottish Government has drawn up a draft 10 year strategy on self
directed support - Self-directed support: A National Strategy for
Scotland. Alongside this the Government has recently concluded
consulting on proposals for a new Bill to make the necessary legislative
changes to promote the strategy and pursue its agenda to promote
personalisation and control over individual budgets in social care and
health services.
The proposals for a new Bill include extending eligibility for direct payments and/or self-directed support to carers and to people with mental health problems subject to some compulsory treatment orders. The proposals also present a shift from individuals being able to opt into direct payments to individuals being offered direct payments or self-directed support first and being able to opt out. This would be a fundamental change designed to substantially increase the level of direct payments taken up.
The HSEU has submitted a response to the consultation documents. Read the response.
Government response to Self-Directed Support Consultation
The Scottish Government has published a report analysing the submissions made to it in response to its consultation on the draft Bill earlier this year. Over the summer the Scottish Government will facilitate discussion with a variety of stakeholders in order to complete the Bill with a view to introducing it to Parliament in the future. Read the report.
National guidance on self directed support for providers of services support was issued in July 2007 and can be viewed on the Scottish Government's website.
A User's Guide to Self-Directed Support in Scotland was produced for members of the public who might be interested in organising their own support and can be viewed on the Scottish Government's website.