Direct Payments
A One day course for Social workers/Care managers

This course aims to deliver training on the introduction of Direct Payments to front line staff working with all adults. These staff will have duties that involve the assessment of eligible adults to apply for and manage their Direct Payments. Since 2003 all local authorities are required to make Direct payments to anyone who is eligible to receive a community care service (Health and Social Care Act 2003).

Direct payments are offered to service users who are eligible under the scheme to source and pay for their own care and support (self directed care) and as an alternative to receiving local authority packages of care or services.

The course is designed for social workers and care managers to help their understanding in identifying potential Direct Payment recipients and in promoting Direct payments as a positive alternative to council provided services.
Risk assessment and risk management will underpin the course structure.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course participants should understand:

• Local context and background to Direct Payments
• The Statutory requirements to make Direct payments to service users
• The principles of Direct Payments based upon the independent living and social care model of disability concepts in relation to promoting positive outcomes for service users
• The tools and resources required to effectively set up Direct Payments using local procedures

Learning outcomes:

• Be aware of the historical influences to shaping of Direct payments
• Understand assessment and eligibility including FACS guidance
• Gain a clearer understanding of some of the barriers to uptake
• Understand the Interface with the Independent living fund (ILF) and Individual Budgets
• Understand the wider context and its implications e.g. carers and cared for.
• Consider issues relating to Health and Safety/risk assessment/risk management
• Develop an awareness of the Adults Assessment Framework –Independence, Choice and Risk
• Understand the Practical arrangements of setting up Direct payments –e.g. supporting people to become an employer
• Begin to understand how Direct payments can be used flexibly
• Understand the process of starting up Direct payments
• Develop an awareness of the various Roles and responsibilities of each party
• Understand Creative and flexible care planning
• Understand the process of monitoring and reviewing Direct payments
• Develop skills around problem solving and discontinuing payments
• Resources and further information

Training methods:

• Tutor presentation
• Group work
• Case studies
• PowerPoint presentation
• Handouts

CP