The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 introduced new rights for unpaid Carers and new duties for local councils and the NHS to provide support to Carers. It became law on 1st April 2018. The eight duties of councils and NHS to support carers are:

1. Duty to prepare Adult Carer Support Plans – An Adult Carer Support Plan is a conversation that identifies personal outcomes and identifies any needs a Carer has.  The Plan may highlight support that should be provided to an adult Carer to meet their needs. Since 1 April 2018 the Act entitles all Carers in Scotland to an Adult Carer Support Plan.
2. Duty to prepare Young Carer Statement – A Young Carer Statement is a plan that sets out a Young Carer’s personal outcomes and identifies any needs a Young Carer has. The Statement may highlight what support can be provided to a Young Carer to meet those needs. Since 1 April 2018 all Young Carers in Scotland are entitled to a Young Carer Statement.
3. Duty to set local eligibility criteria – The local eligibility criteria form a framework used to identify whether an Adult Carer or Young Carer should receive support from Highland Council and NHS Highland to meet their identified needs. When a Carer meets the eligibility criteria, support may take the form of self-directed support (SDS). In Highland the National Eligibility Framework is used.
4. Duty to provide support – Carers who are not eligible for SDS still receive help and support and can access information and advice from Highland Council, NHS Highland and the local Carer support service, Connecting Carers. Carers may also be offered support such as breaks from caring.
5. Duty to involve Carers in Carer services – Highland Council and NHS Highland have a duty to consult with Carers about shaping services that impact their caring roles. NHS Highland has a duty to involve Carers in hospital discharge planning, ensuring that Carers are involved in the process before a cared-for person is discharged from hospital. Carers’ views should also be taken into account when NHS Highland or Highland Council is preparing a cared-for person’s assessments.
6. Duty to prepare local Carer strategy – Highland Council and NHS Highland, working together, prepare a local Carer strategy. This sets out how they plan to deliver services for Carers in Highland.
7. Information and Advice service for Carers – Connecting Carers deliver an advice and information service for Carers on behalf of Highland Council and NHS Highland. The service covers Carers’ rights, education and training, health and wellbeing (including counselling), care planning and future care planning. The Highland Carers Advocacy service is accessed through Connecting Carers. Income maximisation and bereavement support are delivered by partner organisations.
8. Carers’ Charter – The Scottish Ministers must prepare a Carers’ Charter, setting out the rights of Carers in the Act.