Social care - self-directed support: framework of standards - May 2024

Policy and practice context

Since the integration of health and social care in 2016, Integration Authorities have been responsible for the planning and commissioning of adult social care. Some are also responsible for children's services and criminal justice services if the decision has been taken for local authorities to delegate these services. Social work and social care services in adults, justice and children & families are delivered by local authorities or are commissioned by local authorities from private or third sector organisations.

In June 2022, the Scottish Government introduced a Bill to establish a National Care Service (NCS) which will bring a significant change in how social care in relation to adult services is organised and delivered. At the time this revised Framework was published, decisions had yet to be made about whether children’s and criminal justice services would be included within the scope of the National Care Service.

It has been a longstanding ambition of Scottish Government that every child in Scotland should grow up loved, safe and respected, so that they can reach their full potential. Scottish Government’s commitment to this ambition includes incorporating the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) directly into Scottish law through the UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Act 2024; the implementation of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) which is designed to support families to receive the right help, at the right time and from the right people; and The Promise which makes the commitment that all children and young people in Scotland to grow up loved, safe, and respected.

The Scottish Government is also proposing the introduction of Getting It Right For Everyone (GIRFE) as a multi-agency approach to health and social care support and services from young adulthood to end of life care building on the principles of GIRFEC. This is about providing a more personalised way to access help and support when it is needed, placing the person at the centre of all decisions that affect them, with a joined-up consistent approach regardless of the support needed at any stage of life. It will form the future practice model of all health and social care professionals and shape the design and delivery of services, ensuring that people’s needs are met.

There are also significant challenges within the sector which are affecting the workforce and impacting on the delivery of children’s and adult services. Budget restrictions, workforce wellbeing, challenges in the recruitment and retention of staff, the current cost of living crisis, the ageing population and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic all have a profound effect on social care services and how people receive their care.