The Care Act 2014 is a new legislative framework for adults who may have social care and support needs now or in the future.
The purpose of the Care Act is to make access to care and support a clearer and fairer process for people to navigate.
The Care Act consolidates previous legislation and guidance including No Secrets Safeguarding Adults guidance and Fair Access to Care Services.
The Care Act places a duty on local authorities to:
Consider people’s wellbeing when making decisions around care and support
Provide services or take steps towards preventing, delaying or reducing the needs for care and support
Providing information and advice on services available locally
Have Safeguarding Adults Boards
Provide independent advocacy to individuals to engage in a local authority process if they have substantial difficulty and no one else to support them.