Self-directed support

About self-directed support

When working with individuals (including their unpaid carers) the principles we follow are:

• Treat supported people with dignity and respect at all times, including when they first complete an outcomes-focused assessment with an individual.
• Offer the four self-directed support options and explain what each of them mean in a balanced and impartial way, and how they would work for the supported person’s unique circumstances.
• Make sure that supported people have a say in planning what their support looks like and that they have as much involvement as they want in decisions about their support.
• Make sure that supported people have enough information to understand what is available and to make the choices which are right for them. This should include information about where to find independent support to help them choose.
• Make sure that supported people have opportunities to challenge and ask questions about any aspect of their support, and are given enough time to understand and participate in decisions about their support, particularly when it is being stopped or changed.

Our approach to self-directed support also includes the idea that, as much as possible, individuals needing support will use their own strengths and assets to address the barriers they face. This will include personal and family resources, community services and supports, and universal services and benefits.

If you think your situation means you might need support to live an ordinary life then you, or someone who cares for you, may wish to get in touch with one of our Single Points Of Contact.

The above principles are based on the Social Care (Self-directed support) (Scotland) Act 2013 Statutory Guidance (pdf).

Resources

View a Sway presentation on Self-directed support in Highland - Making the Change Together.

See information from Highland Council on assessment and SDS options for children and young people.

BSL-signed videos

Videos from Self Directed Support Scotland, hosted on Vimeo.

• What does SDS mean for individuals?
• How to access SDS and where to start