Written question WQ96423

Care and support plans are developed on an individual basis, focusing on ‘what matters’ to the person in need of care and support. In line with the principles of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, they should be co-produced with an individual and their family and are informed by a formal assessment which helps to identify an individual’s specific care and support needs. Similarly, unpaid carers whose support needs are assessed via a carers’ needs assessment may have a support plan.

Once agreed, care or support plans will have personal outcomes that are being met by services that can either be arranged by the person themselves or ones that are provided or arranged by the NHS or the Local Authority. The plan is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and continues to meet the individual's needs.

Where counselling is identified as a potential area of need through an assessment, the Local Authority can signpost people to available services, this could be through their own Information Advice and Assistance provision or other avenues.

In some cases, where there is a mental health need, individuals can also access support from NHS mental health services.