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Kent 4 star Council

Information about becoming a carer

What is an Adult Placement?

Adult Placement means taking into your home someone who is presently unable to live independently and requires some practical and emotional support. A placement can either be on a long-term basis, respite or as a stepping stone to independent living.

We firmly believe that for some people, Adult Placement is a positive alternative to residential care as it enables people with disabilities to become valued members of their local community.

Our clients are all adults, over 18 years old, both men and women. They are disabled in some way. Most have a learning disability.

During the day most clients have some form of day activity including attendance at Day Services, college or work opportunities where they are supported in developing a range of life skills.

Having a learning disability means that clients will need help with some aspects of their daily living. It may be they cannot read or write very well or cannot work out the change when they go shopping. They may not be able to cook a meal for themselves. They may have speech problems.

Where possible as part of the Placement Agreement, arrangements will be made for periods of respite (up to 28 days per year) to enable clients and carers to have a break.


How can I apply and what is the process?

As part of the approval process, a full assessment is undertaken on the main carer and family members. This will include taking up personal and medical references as well as full checks with the Criminal Records Bureau. Part of the assessment process will include five full-day training courses and the completion of an LDAF (Learning Disability Awards Framework) workbook.

Once approval has been completed, the assessment will be used as part of the matching process and every effort is made to ensure that compatibility between the client and carer is achieved. The approval and matching process may take a fairly long period of time as it is essential that both client and carer are positive and happy about the proposed placement.

Ongoing support for the placement will be provided by staff employed by the Adult Placement Scheme.

The person living in your home will pay his or her way from their own income. The amount you will receive will depend upon the level of support required by the client. The actual payment to the carer will be negotiated once the placement has been agreed.

At any stage in the approval procedure you or the Adult Placement Scheme may withdraw your application without having to give a reason why.


Think it over

Talk about this with all the members of your household and ask them to read these notes. Make a note of any points on which you are not clear so that you can discuss them with one of our Adult Placement Scheme Organisers.

We appreciate your interest and we will do our best to help you make it work.


Frequently asked questions for carers

Who can become a carer?

How long do placements last?

Do Adult Placement carers get paid?

What if things go wrong?

Is there still contact with person's family and friends?

What if I no longer wish to continue to be an Adult Placement carer?

How long does it take to arrange a placement?

Copyright Kent County Council 2008