Achieving positive change for people who use mental health services Craig Flunkert Self-directed Support Team

Self-directed Support VISION The quality of life of people who require care and support is improved through increased choice and control over the support they receive. 'putting people at the heart..’

The vision…continued….  Increased choice for all and increased control for those who want it. Choices being….direct payment; individual service fund; or just more choice/flexibility in arranged services.  Open to all people eligible for social care regardless of age, disability, category of need, social status, ethnic background etc…  A focus on values and practice, not excessive rules and regulations  A genuine mainstream approach at the heart of integrated health and social care  Maximum flexibility to meet agreed outcomes

The Bill on SDS Duty to offer the choices and act on the person’s choice (adults, carers and children) Duty to explain nature and effect of options & to signpost people to information & support Power to offer support to carers + duty to offer SDS options for that support Duty to promote the availability of the SDS options The “circles of support” duties Legislative principles: collaboration, informed choice, involvement Guidance on the Bill will make it clear that this policy will only succeed if social work departments implement on the basis of an “exchange model” of assessment, one which focuses on the conversation between professional and individual and the outcomes that the person wants to achieve.

And the great myths about SDS policy? “SDS is direct payments and direct payments only” “People – including people with mental health problems - will be forced to take a direct payment” “There is a grand plan to cut peoples budgets using SDS” “This will mean that the duty to meet social care needs passes from councils to individuals” “People can have their benefits removed if they accept direct payments” “Direct payments are different to social care and support” “This policy will mean the end of council and voluntary sector services.” “SDS means I have to change what I have at the moment”

Self-directed Support 2 of the biggest myths… “SDS is the end of social care” “SDS is the answer to all of social care’s problems”

The legal framework after this Bill? Duty to assess needs – 1968 Act Duty to explain nature and effect of choices (SDS Bill) Duty to offer choice (SDS Bill) Principles of assessment: collaboration / informed choice / involvement (SDS Bill) Duty to promote social welfare (1968 Act) Power to support carers (SDS Bill) “Circles of support” duties – SDS Bill Duty to assess carers (1968 Act) Duty to provide advocacy (2003 Act) Adult Support and Protection duties and powers Mental Health Care and Treatment Act duties and powers Adults with Incapacity Act duties and powers

Direct payments, ISFs and people with mental health problems What does the evidence tell us? It can work – but it might not work for everybody. Back up plans, advance statements Options will less responsibility can work out better for people who struggle with stress, demands etc… Information & support Risk identification, enablement and management Circles of support, attorneys and guardians

Self-directed Support A theme for our discussion? issues and solutions