Checklist of core duties - Supported self-assessment

Local authorities must:

• carry out an appropriate and proportionate assessment: a supported self-assessment is appropriate if the adult or carer in question is willing, able and has the capacity to undertake one and to assess and reflect on their own needs
• carry out a capacity assessment if it believes an individual may lack capacity to understand and carry out a supported self-assessment
• support the individual to lead the process – this involves providing as much information as possible from the time of first contact, in an accessible format, so that the individual undertaking the supported self-assessment has a full picture of their care and support history
• involve an advocate (a family member, friend or independent advocate) to help the individual through the process where the individual has capacity to undertake the supported self-assessment but has substantial difficulty understanding, retaining and using the relevant information
• involve a person who has specific training and expertise in cases where the individual is deafblind
• carry out a safeguarding enquiry where a person may be at risk of abuse or neglect
• ensure the self-assessment is completed in a suitable time period
• ensure that the supported self-assessment is accurate and complete – reflecting the individual’s needs, desired outcomes and the impact of needs on their wellbeing.