Carers (Scotland) Act 2016

Carers (Scotland) Act 2016

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 that is the primary law supporting unpaid carers in Scotland. The act makes it easier for local authorities to identify those who need support in their caring roles and for people to access support when they need it.

Carer’s assessments

Under the act local authorities are responsible for providing assessments that focus on how the caring role affects the person providing care.

There are 2 types of carer assessment:

• young carer statements for young carers under 18
• adult carer support plans for adults

These assessments ensure that carers needs are identified and there is a plan in place for how they will be supported.

Further information

• Scottish Government unpaid carers
• Scottish Government Carers (Scotland) Act 2016
• Carers Trust jargon buster for young carers (PDF, 3.6 MB)
• Carers Trust policy and legislation in Scotland