On 19th March 2015, specialist barristers from Trinity Chambers’ Court of Protection team, Nicholas Stonor Q.C., Timothy Spain and Nicola Shaw will be delivering an introduction into the implications for Local Authority Lawyers of the Care Act 2014.
The Trinity barristers' sessions will include an examination of the “well-being principle” from the Local Authority’s perspective; Carers rights, assessment and eligibility for Care and Support as well as issues surrounding the safeguarding of vulnerable adults under the Care Act.
The conference is aimed at Heads of Legal, Heads of Adult Services, Heads of Children’s Services, Solicitors working in all local authority departments, Procurement Officers and Contract Officers. Louise Rule, Service Director Commissioning & Business Development, Gateshead Council will open the Conference, the speakers programme is as follows:-
Carers Rights - Timothy Spain & Nicola Shaw, Barristers, Trinity Chambers
This will cover eligibility, interpreting eligibility criteria, Needs assessment, Funding Cap, Care/Support Plans, Financial Resources, Complaints and Appeals process.
Children and Young Adults - Timothy Spain, Barrister, Trinity Chambers
This will cover Young carer’s assessments. Transition from children to adult care and support under the new regime ensuring continuity.
Wider Implications of the Care Act 2014 for Local Authorities - Olwen Dutton, Partner, Bevan Brittan Solicitors
This will cover links with the Better Care Fund and with Health and Wellbeing Boards. Links with Public Health and the preventative agenda. Implications of the duties of integration and co-operation. Impact on the other functions of local authorities.
Impact of the Care Act on Shaping the Care Markets of the Future - Michael Laing, Service Director, Social Care & Independent Living, Gateshead Council, ADASS
Financial Aspects of the Care Act - Jemma Morland, Associate Solicitor, EMG Solicitors Ltd
This will cover the impact of The Care Act on local authority deputies/appointees including the new requirement for LA’s to suggest that parties seek regulated financial advice in relation to planning/payment of care costs. In addition the LA deputy being required to appeal the LA’s care/financial assessment if this is not felt to meet needs and whether this creates a conflict. Finally, how LA’s manage direct payments/personal budgets on behalf of the incapacitated adult and how these funds will need to be used/recorded given the focus on independence and well-being.
Welfare and Safeguarding - Nicholas Stonor QC, Trinity Chambers
This will cover the well-being principle, LA responsibilities and duties, Independent living, Advocacy and Advice services, Safeguarding Adult Boards, Safeguarding Powers.
The Care Act Conference, attracting 5.75 Solicitors Regulation Authority CPD points will take place at Gateshead Council Chambers. Local Authority lawyers wishing to book a place should contact LGG Legal Training for further details.