self-directed support

This statistics release presents the latest figures for self-directed support (direct payments). The figures apply to payments made during the period 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2010 under section 12B of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. People who receive self-directed support (direct payments) are able to purchase and manage for themselves some or all of the care they have been assessed as needing. They are one way of increasing the flexibility, choice, and control people have over the care they receive, so that they can live more independently in their communities.

The overall aim of the audit was to review how effectively the public sector commissions social care services.

It examines how well councils and their partners plan, and how councils either procure or deliver, effective social care services. It also assesses the extent to which councils and their partners involve users and carers in developing services to meet their needs, and how they work with providers in the voluntary and private sectors to provide high-quality, sustainable services.

Discussion paper that describes a way forward for developing Resource Allocation Systems (RAS) in Scotland as an essential component of a sustainable system of self-directed support. It argues that, rather than fixate on one model or system, there needs to be a period of genuine innovation and exploration in partnership with disabled people and families.

Toolkit which explains what co-production is and gives some tips on how to make it successful.

It is designed for disabled people and their organisations who want to start working in co-production with service providers like local authorities, NHS Boards and others.