Care Act Advocacy

The main purpose of the Care Act is to support people to get the outcomes that matter to them in their life.

It has to focus on the needs and goals of the person and put them at the centre of all decisions.

The Care Act says local authorities must make sure all adults in their area have access to information and advice on their care and support and to keep them safe from abuse and neglect.

The Care Act applies equally to adults with care and support needs and their carers. In some cases, it applies to children and young carers. It also applies to young people over 16 who are in transition to adult services. The Care Act includes prisoners.

The person’s wellbeing has to be at the centre of every decision that is made.

The Care Act guidance says that wellbeing covers 9 areas:

• personal dignity and treating the person with respect

• physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing

• protection from abuse and neglect

• control by the person of their everyday life. This includes how and where their support is provided.

• being involved in work, education, training and leisure

• social and economic wellbeing

• domestic, family and personal relationships

• living in a suitable place

• being involved in the community

The local authority needs to look at the parts of the person’s wellbeing that are most important to them.