Policy and Practice in Health and Social Care
1 primary work • 2 total works
Book 2
Direct Payments are cash payments made in lieu of social service provisions, to individuals who have been assessed as needing services. The implementation of direct payments in the United Kingdom in 1997 represented a major victory for the disability movement in securing enhanced choice and control in service provision. Successive governments have promoted direct payments as part of wider strategies to develop local care markets and enable a 'personalisation of care'. Since 1997 a number of changes have emerged to the original policy framework, allowing wider access and a more diverse user population. Whilst these changes have occurred across the UK, different take-up patterns have emerged in the various UK countries where administration of social services has been devolved. In exploring these patterns, this study focuses on the impact of direct payments in Scotland. Drawing on findings from a major UK wide two-year study of direct payments, the authors highlight some of the key tensions which have characterised policy implementation in Scotland, alongside a comparative overview with the rest of the UK. The approach adopted in the UK has features that are of interest to those contemplating effective methods for care provision in other states. In common with other titles in this series the book presents a variety of perspectives and approaches with which to consider the key issues. It is written at a level that will stimulate those wrestling with these themes from a professional perspective as well as providing essential reading for those studying health and social policy.
Self-Directed Support
by Charlotte Pearson, Julie Ridley, and Susan Hunter
Since the late 1990s, there has been a concerted policy drive across social care towards cash based modes of support and strategies to personalise services. Support for this shift was initiated by the disabled peoples’ movement, both in the UK and globally. Policies introducing direct payments in lieu of provided services have been secured gradually as a central plank of the campaign for independent living.
Subsequently successive governments have promoted a shift towards personalisation as part of a wider focus to develop local care markets and to facilitate enhanced choice and control in service provision. In Scotland, this has been pursued through new legislation for self-directed support. As the new policy is introduced local authorities and providers face challenges in transforming social care. The authors examine some of the key themes and debates emerging from the implementation of this policy. These include a look at the new language that is emerging, as well as the changing roles for users, carers, local authorities and service providers flowing from the new policy environment. They focus on the impact of change for front-line workers and a reassess the progress of the broader personalisation agenda across the UK and in Europe during a time of widespread austerity and financial cuts.
Written for professional and post-graduate audiences Self-directed Support will stimulate those wrestling with these themes from policy and professional perspectives and provide essential analysis for those studying health and social policy.