Self Directed Support
Self Directed Support is a term that describes the ways in which individuals and families can have an informed choice about the way support is provided to them.
What is Self Directed Support?
Self Directed Support is a term that describes the ways in which individuals and families can have an informed choice about the way support is provided to them. The aim is to achieve better quality care and support and an improvement in the outcomes people achieve by giving them greater choice and control over how their support needs are met and by whom.
The Scottish Government published "Self Directed Support - A National Strategy For Scotland" in 2010 and defined Self Directed Support as "the support individuals and families have after making an informed choice on how their individual budget is used to meet the outcomes they have agreed. SDS means giving people choice and control."
Social Care (Self Directed Support)(Scotland) Act 2013
The "Social Care (Self Directed Support)(Scotland) Act" was passed in January 2013 and came into force on 1st April 2014. The Act outlines local authority duties relating to Self Directed Support and the general principles which underpin these. The Act describes the framework of options which must be offered to those who are eligible for the provision of support by the local authority.
Self Directed Support - National Guides for Users, Carers and Practitioners
The Scottish Government, in partnership with people who use services, carers, local authorities, support organisations and service providers, have produced a series of National Guides on Self Directed Support (opens new window) which aim to provide practical guidance for people who use support, for carers and for practitioners.
The Guide for people who use services - Self-directed Support: My Support, My Choice: Your Guide to Social Care- is also available in a British Sign Language video (opens new window).
Personal Assistants Network Scotland
A new website has been created for people who work directly for the person they support. Personal assistants (PA's) can join the network to access information, advice and learning opportunities, to meet other PA's and to hear about news and events. Please visit Personal Assistants Network Scotland (opens new window).