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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
Focus on ……. What the Care Bill means for carers of drug and alcohol users
A recent Adfam briefing explains the proposed changes in legislation brought about by the Care Bill and the Children and Families Bill, as they relate to carers of drug and alcohol users. The Care Bill defines a “carer” as ‘an adult who provides, or intends to provide, care for another adult.’ This therefore implicitly includes family members and friends who care for others with problematic drug or alcohol use. This means carers of people with drug or alcohol problems can fit into the definition of a carer and thus have the right to a needs-assessment. This is important because previously carers of someone with a drug or alcohol problem were not automatically entitled to such an assessment. The Care Bill focusses on the person rather than the service and delegates local authorities to ensure carers receive support if they want it. Local authorities are obliged to provide services to prevent a carer needing more support in the future. Part one places carers and the people for whom they care on the same level, as carers are now entitled to legal support and puts carers in control of their own support. Part two involves care-quality with ‘Ofsted style’ ratings for hospitals and care home to ensure the best care can be given to those who need it. Part three establishes Health Education England: a non-departmental public body that will nationally lead health and public health education and training. … The Care Bill marks an important change in the way carers are viewed. There is now a new emphasis on wellbeing and outcomes, and the purpose of the Bill is not just to make sure a safety net is provided, but that wellbeing is actually facilitated. It also means joint assessments can be carried out on a whole-family basis so that the best support for that family-unit can be provided. It argues that needs can be met through advocacy, accommodation and counselling as well as other forms of support. Moreover, assessments must be carried out even if the carer does not need …[support] at the time. If local authorities perceive that someone might need care in the future then an assessment is required. Support can be given … depending on day-to-day needs. It should be stressed that local authorities have the option of charging for these services but most do not elect to utilise this. …[U]nder 18s are not mentioned by the Bill because young carers are covered in the Children and Families Bill where they are entitled to an assessment similar to that substantiated in the Care Bill for adults. The extent to which young carers wish to participate in education or would like to work must also be considered. This is particularly welcome given that 27% of young carers in secondary school either miss school or are experiencing educational