Adult care eligibility guidance published

The long-awaited guidance on setting
eligibility criteria for adult social care was published last week
alongside a new implementation timetable – but no new funds.

Councils have until April next
year to review and consult on their existing eligibility criteria
for adult social care to bring it in line with the new guidance – a
year later than the draft guidance suggested when it was published
in July 2001.

The
new guidance has greater emphasis on rooting out age
discrimination, on the use of direct payments to meet eligible
needs, and on arrangements for transitions between councils and
between children’s and adult services.

The
criteria will apply to all new referrals and requests for
help.

– Fair
Access to Care Services from www.doh.gov.uk/scg/facs