Direct Payments in Stockton
Where : If you live in Stockton, Billingham, Thornaby, or within the area of Stockton Borough, and would like to access a direct payment to help you live your life more independently.
Why : Current legislation allows many people at present receiving services to meet their needs under a community care assessment (CCA), to choose to have a direct payment and make arrangements directly with staff employed by them, or with an agency, allowing greater flexibility and control.
Who : The scheme is currently available to those people 18+ assessed by Stockton SSD as requiring services to meet their assessed needs, except those covered under the Mental Health Act. Stockton Borough Council is presently looking to eventually extend the scheme to include 16/17 year olds with a disability, carers, and those people with responsibility for a child with a disability.
What : In Stockton your direct payment must be used to purchase assistance and services to meet your assessed needs. This allows you the flexibility of living in the community, and accessing the services not previously available to you, rather than having all your care at home, or residential care.
When : You can apply at any time to have your CCA converted into a direct payment by asking your social worker for a review. Alternatively ask when you have a new assessment, or reassessment. Your social worker or care worker will continue to be responsible for assessing and reviewing your CCA then contact the Stockton SSD First Contact Unit, Bath Lane, Stockton-on-Tees. TS18 2EG. Telephone 01642 415030
How Much : There is no limit to the size of a direct payment. You can convert all, or part of your care package as you wish.
Rate : At present (2001-2002) the direct payment rates in Stockton Borough Council are as follows. These are comparable with other rates used within Stockton SSD when contracting with private care providers, and allow you to contract with an agency, or employ your own staff and meet legal obligations.
Basic Rate £7.43 per hour
Community Care £13.40 per hour
Waking night £28.45 (10pm-7am)
Sleeping night £42.67 (10pm-7am)
Who Cannot : Although individuals other than 18+ can use direct payments, the Direct Payments Support Scheme in Stockton has not yet been extended to cover them.
What Not For : At present you cannot use your direct payment for the following :-
Services that do not meet your assessed needs
Services provided by the Health Authority, although this may change in the future
Long term residential care, other than periods of assessed respite
Support from a spouse, partner, or close relatives
Clothes, food and most equipment
Support services provided by Stockton Borough Council
Delivery of Scheme: At present an 18½ hours per week scheme, with training, development and ongoing support to help clients learn and understand the knowledge and skills required to operate and manage a direct payment, with support if necessary. Contact Richard Adams on 01642 806855 Monday – Wednesday.
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