International learning on Self-Directed Support

Self-Directed Supportinternational learning

Self-Directed Support• It is not new - it has been

growing since the 1960s.

• It can be found in lots of places around the world.

• It has been successful, but slow to grow.

• It creates new opportunities and new risks.

Sami Helle at European Parliament, November 2013

“We are obliged to surrender to the will of the strong. Big companies, cities and municipalities decide what is best for us. This is about power. Why do I feel a lack of power in my own life?”

Research• Positive outcomes (often)

negative outcomes (never)

• Can cost less, can cost more

• Tends to increase demand

• Design matters - there are big differences between different systems

English data 2003-2005, first In Control pilot

English data 2005-2007

Design Matters1. Rights - secure foundations

2. Control - person focused

3. Clarity - transparent

4. Flexibility - high in options

5. Ease of use - low in burdens

6. Community - connectivity

7. Sustainability - evolving

1. Rights

Support should not be a professional gift - it should be an entitlement

The government money fallacy

it can’t always be government money:

where did government get it from?

2. Control

The right person must have responsibility - control as close to the person as possible

Needs are met - but met in ways that are shaped by the person.

3. Clarity

Systems ration resources in different ways !

1.by responding to crises or requests 2.by creating waiting lists for places 3.by professional assessment 4.by public rules for entitlements 5.by negotiation

Clarity about money seems to improve how people plan and how willing the system is to provide flexibility. But it can be corrupted.

4. Flexibility

Flexible funding helps promote greater community involvement

5. Easy to use

Resistance to innovation often leads to increases in complexity.

• Big support plans

• Complex resource assessments

• Lengthy processes for review and decisions

• Intrusive bureaucracy and monitoring

• Multiple and conflicting funding streams

• Weak incentives to take control

• Regulations and inspections

Trust is critical.

6. Community

Self-directed support seeks to move money into community - in different ways.

This includes how people take control.

• Best support there is

• A flexible concept

• Facilitation is key

• Evolving

• NOT commissioned

7. Sustainability

Self-directed support demands a new way of managing - NOT the middle

Its about citizenship - NOT services

For more information: !Web: www.centreforwelfarereform.org !Twitter: @CforWR and @simonjduffy !Blog: www.simonduffy.info !Facebook: centreforwelfarereform !Campaign: www.campaignforafairsociety.org

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