Personalisation

The Council uses the Promoting Independence Framework to provide people and their families or carers with information, advice and support as early as possible to help them make decisions that will improve their situations.

Before the Council provides longer term support for people it decides whether advice and support to help people maintain their independence is best. This may involve stopping someone's personal situation getting worse, as well as working with them to develop their skills and confidence to make the most of their independence and opportunities. The Council's main aim is to support people to make the best use of their ability and potential. This period of support is called enablement or promoting independence. After this period of support which typically lasts around six weeks, dedicated and specially trained staff at the Council called case managers will work with people to see if they need any further support through an outcome assessment, and to check whether they meet eligibility criteria. Not everyone is eligible for help and the government provides some guidance for the Council to work out who will be eligible.

Outcomes Assessment

During an outcome assessment, Council staff (case managers) talk to people about their situation and what areas of their life they want to change or improve; this is sometimes called an outcomes assessment. For some people it could be as simple as wanting to make a trip to the park regularly, take part in a bingo session at a local community centre or to pay for a new activity they've always wanted to do.

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, will then told how much they are likely to have towards their support - this is called an indicative amount - which they can use as a starting point to plan their support with. Case managers and/or brokers will discuss what specific support would best help them achieve their aims. A support plan is then drawn up which details this, and if individuals have a carer, their case manager and/or broker will also talk to them about what support they need, as well, as help care for the person in the best possible way. The support plan costs are then drawn up and people will be informed about how much they actually have towards their support - this includes their final personal budget and any additional funds and resources to support them to live as independent as possible.

Even if people do not meet the eligibility criteria they are provided with information and advice about other support that will help them.