Welsh Social Services and Care (SSWB Act 2014)
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 — Wales's distinctive social-care framework, well-being duties, and assessment regime.
Wprowadzenie
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 is the foundational Welsh statute on social services — a Welsh-specific reframing of the previous English-derived community-care framework. It is built around the concept of 'well-being' (defined broadly in s.2), introduces a strengths-based assessment regime, and imposes outcome-focused duties on local authorities. Welsh Ministers' codes of practice supplement the Act. Direct payments, eligibility assessments, and adult-protection arrangements are all distinct from those operating under England's Care Act 2014.
In Brief
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 is Wales's distinct social-care framework. It builds on a 'well-being' duty (s.5), uses strengths-based assessments, and applies its own eligibility criteria (Care and Support (Eligibility) (Wales) Regulations 2015). Adult protection is via Safeguarding Boards (Part 7). The framework is materially different from England's Care Act 2014.
Podstawowe zasady
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 — operative from 6 April 2016.
Well-being duty (s.5) — local authorities must exercise their social-services functions with a view to promoting the well-being of people who need care and support.
Strengths-based assessment — focus on what the person can do and what outcomes matter to them.
Eligibility criteria — set out in Care and Support (Eligibility) (Wales) Regulations 2015.
Direct payments — available under Part 4; gives the person control over their care budget.
Adult protection — Part 7; introduces 'Safeguarding Boards' and adult-at-risk reports.
Care and support plans — must record agreed outcomes and how support will be provided.
Kluczowe ustawy
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Care Act 2014 apply in Wales?
No. The Care Act 2014 applies in England. Wales has its own statute — the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 — which is the equivalent Welsh framework. The two acts cover similar ground but with materially different concepts (e.g. Welsh 'well-being' vs English 'well-being'; Welsh strengths-based assessment vs English needs assessment).
Can I challenge a needs assessment outcome under the SSWB Act?
Yes. The local authority must follow its own complaints procedure under the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales) Regulations 2014. If unresolved, escalate to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Where the decision involves a clear public-law error (e.g. failure to apply the eligibility criteria, irrationality, breach of the well-being duty), judicial review in the Administrative Court is available with a 3-month time limit. The Welsh Government's Code of Practice in relation to Part 3 (Assessing the Needs of Individuals) sets out the statutory expectations.
What is a Safeguarding Board and who sits on it?
Part 7 of the SSWB Act 2014 requires the establishment of regional Safeguarding Children Boards and Safeguarding Adults Boards. Membership is set by the Safeguarding Boards (General) (Wales) Regulations 2015 and includes the local authority, local health board, police, probation service, and other prescribed partners. Boards have a statutory duty to protect children and adults at risk, with mandatory reporting under section 130 (adults at risk) and section 130A.
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