Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act (2014)

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act is a law that gives you more of a say in the care and support you receive. 

It places a greater emphasis on promoting people’s independence to give them a stronger voice and control.

The law introduced a service providing information, advice and assistance. This enables people to access the right help at the right time to meet their individual situation.

The Act affects:

• Adults
• Children
• Carers
• Health and social care professionals

With more people needing care and support in Wales, the country needs a sustainable model for delivering social services. This involves local authorities, health boards and the third sector organisations working in partnership to provide information, support and deliver services to those in need.

There are more services available to prevent problems getting worse, so the right help is there when you need it.

The Act:

• Makes life better for people and their carers
• Makes social care law easier to use
• Gives people a stronger voice and more control
• Makes sure people get the help they need to lead a good life
• Says what social services will be like all over Wales
• Makes sure communities have a chance to offer their knowledge and experience

The act also introduces stronger powers to keep children and vulnerable people safe from abuse or neglect.

A assessment process for care and support is based on what matters to the individual. It considers personal strengths, support available from family members, friends and others in the community.