The Carers & Disabled Children Act 2000 Practice Guidance

The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 in the UK was intended to strengthen the rights of carers (caregivers) and to provide an avenue for local councils to support those carers. The practice guidance sets forth the best approach for local councils to introduce vouchers for short-term breaks for the caregivers.

Consultation

• Local providers and residents should be consulted on all arrangements for a voucher scheme. This will prevent council from focusing on a specific group. Consultations should include people of different ethnic backgrounds, ages and impairments.

Information

• Information should be distributed and accessible in different formats. Considerations should be made for those with disabilities and those who may speak a different language. Staff should also include those able to translate or interpret the information.

Naming

• Care should be taken in the choosing of a voucher scheme name. The name should not infer any restrictions or boundaries since the aim of voucher schemes is to increase the flexibility of services.