Local authorities must consult carers of disabled children over vouchers

Local authorities required to issue carers of disabled children
with vouchers for respite breaks, must consult recipients on how
the scheme will operate.

This is the recommendation of the department of health’s
draft guidance on the carers’ vouchers for short-term breaks,
introduced under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000.

The act gave councils with social services responsibilities the
power to issue carers, and those with parenting responsibility for
children with disabilities, vouchers entitling them to buy services
to cover while they take a small break.

The doh also issued policy guidance on the government’s
view of issues for local authorities in addressing their
responsibility. Both sets of guidance are out for consultation
until the end of June.

www.carers.gov.uk/voucherpracticeguidance.htm
and www.carers.gov.uk/voucherpolicyguidance.htm