Self-directed Support (SDS) is the way social care support is arranged in Scotland. It is underpinned by the Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013, which aims to give people greater choice, control and flexibility over how their support is provided.
SDS is based on having good conversations about what matters to you, the outcomes you want to achieve and the support available to help you live as independently as possible. These conversations can help identify information, advice, community resources and, where required, formal social care support.
If you are eligible for social care support, you will have the opportunity to consider the Self-directed Support options available to meet your assessed needs. Together with your worker, you will develop a support plan based on the outcomes that matter most to you and how best those outcomes can be achieved.
Self-directed Support can be used by adults, children and young people who require social care support, as well as unpaid carers who may need support in their caring role.
A conversation with a worker will help identify what matters to you, the outcomes you want to achieve and the support available to help you live as independently as possible.
Not everyone who contacts social work services will require funded support. However, information, advice, signposting and support to access community resources may still be available to help you achieve your outcomes.
Where an assessment identifies eligible social care needs, you will have the opportunity to consider the Self-directed Support options available to meet your assessed needs.
Where an assessment identifies eligible social care needs, the local authority has a duty to offer four choices in relation to how your support can be arranged. You may choose one option or a combination of options, depending on your individual circumstances.
You receive funding directly and arrange your own support. This option gives you the greatest level of choice, control and flexibility.
You decide how you want your support to be provided, but another organisation manages the funding on your behalf. This allows you to direct your support without taking responsibility for managing the finances.
The local authority arranges and manages your support on your behalf. This option provides support without the responsibility of arranging services directly.
You can choose a combination of the above options. This allows you to take direct control of some aspects of your support whilst leaving other parts to be arranged by the local authority.
Self-directed Support is based on understanding what matters to you and the outcomes you want to achieve. Not everyone who contacts social work services will require funded support. In some circumstances, information, support, community resources or signposting may help people achieve their outcomes without the need for ongoing social care services.
There are a number of organisations that can provide independent information and support about Self-directed Support (SDS), helping you understand your rights, the available options and how SDS can work for you.
Adult Care
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 452498 / 450000
Email: adultcare@clacks.gov.uk