Introduction to Self Directed Support
‘Self-directed support’ is the idea that people should have choice and control over the support they receive.
It is part of the move towards personalisation, and aims to let people receiving support from social services and other public monies to have control around how they meet their own needs and fits in with how they want to live their life.
A personal budget is one way use self directed support but whatever name's given to it - it's all about giving people power and control over their lives.
People can organise their own support using a personal budget from the local authority. This money is allocated by the council to cover support needs, which are identified through a supported self-assessment. Following this a support plan is created, which lets the individual outline their needs and goals (remember it is your support plan), and plan how they will spend their budget. Once this is agreed, the individual can choose to have the budget paid to them as a Direct Payment, so they can arrange support and services directly.
Below are 7 steps to having greater control:
Step 1: Your money - finding out how much
The first thing to do is to find out if you can get money for your support - and how much, the first step is to complete a self supported questionnaire. You can do this on your own or with support.
Please visit Darlington Borough Council self directed supported
Redcar & Cleveland: http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/resident/adult-children-health/adult-care/adult-care-services/Pages/What-Is-Adult-Social-Care.aspx
Step 2: Making your support plan
The second thing is to make a plan about how you'll use the money to get the life you want. You can do the plan yourself, or you can do it with support. It will include needs, goals and outcomes.
Step 3: Getting your plan agreed
A social worker / care manager, at the council, has to approve your plan.
Step 4: Organising your money
When your social worker/ care manager agrees your plan, you get your personal budget. You can get the money yourself as a direct payment or you can choose someone to look after the money for you.
Step 5: Organising your support
You can organise your support in a way that suits you. You can get help to find and organise support please visit How can DAD’s Direct Payment Support Service help you?
Step 6: Living your life (and being accountable for your budget)
You can use services but you can also spend your money to employ people who you know - or even buy things that will help you in your life.
Visit Personal Assistance and Support Choices
Step 7: Seeing how it worked
You have to show that you have used the money properly.
Return to Support DAD can provide to help you manage your Direct Payment
How you can support us
As a local organisation we very much rely on the support of our local community. We support over 2,000 people every year to have greater choice and control and remove the barriers that disabled adults and children experience in their everyday lives. But we need YOUR help.