Social welfare law

This report seeks to highlight the perspectives of family carers within the development of a national strategy for people with learning disabilities. The report represents a synthesis of a broad range of views, collected through consultation workshops, correspondence, conversations with family carers, and a review of the relevant  literature. 

This paper seeks to highlight the impact of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act of 1995 on carers of people with learning disabilities. It draws on research conducted in the south west between 1997 and 1999, which examined the views and experiences of carers who had an assessment of their needs, together with those of the person they care for and the professional conducting the assessment. It concludes that the Carers Act is not widely used, or understood, by this group of carers.

The Law Commissioner has recommended changes to carers rights in its proposals to overhaul adult care law. The changes could help social workers to highlight the needs of hidden carers.

This guide is designed primarily for the social care managers and practitioners responsible for the implementation of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004. The essential steps and many of the practice points throughout the guide will be useful to those responsible for strategic planning and commissioning. Practitioners also nneed the support of senior and line managers and an appropriate framework to enable them to help carers. (Previously published as SCIE Practice Guide no. 5).

Presents an overview of recent measures to support carers.

April 1st is often the date on which all or part of legislation or programmes are implemented. The author provides an overview of changes to look out for on 1 April 2005. Provides details on Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004, Carers' Grant, Children Act 2004, Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, Learning Disabilities Development Fund, Protection of title of social workers, and changes in the sentencing of offenders.

People caring for someone with a mental illness finally have a right both to an assessment and to have their assessed needs met. The author explains how much difference this will make to carers and their loved ones.

The author discusses the SCIE practice guide 'Implementing the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004'.  The online practice guide translates what is known from research and policy into recommendations and practice examples. It is designed to be used alongside existing Department of Health guidance.

Looks at how the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act will improve the lives of the UK's six million carers.