Leeds is developing our model of self directed support which will be introduced in 2009/10. Self directed support gives you more control and flexibility by changing the way in which assessments are made and support is provided. Self directed support enables you to choose the types of support you want to meet your needs, and have more control over how that support is received.
Currently support is provided following an assessment of your needs by a care manager. If you meet the government’s Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) criteria, a care plan is produced to establish what services would best meet your identified needs. At the moment, you won’t always be aware of the cost of your care package.
Self directed support turns this process around. You would complete a self assessment questionnaire which indicates your level of need and indicates how much money you will have to spend on your social care. A support plan is then drawn up to show how this budget will be spent in order to keep you healthy, safe and well.
This enables you to choose a range of support which best suits your individual circumstances and is designed to be more flexible than direct payments. Checks will take place to ensure the budget is spent responsibly.
More information about the values and principles of self directed support can be found on the In Control website.
- You can now view a series of short film clips where people who use an individual budget explain how being able to choose and buy their own services and support has helped them.
- If you would like to talk to other people who receive direct payments or a personal budget, to get advice or share experiences, you may be interested in the Personal Budgets Peer Support Group. The group also runs a free, confidential telephone helpline.
- If you would like to learn more about self directed support, please contact the project team at selfdirectedsupport@leeds.gov.uk. More information will be available on the website soon.