How you can contribute to the CSCI
review of eligibility criteria?
The CSCI (Commission for Social Care Inspection) is carrying out a major review of the eligibility criteria that councils use to decide whether or not a person receives help from the council with social care services.
We are asking for your help in carrying out this review. There are two ways for you to get involved:
• by taking part in our online survey: http://www.csci.org.uk/SelectSurveyASP/
TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=3KJm732Jl771K (this survey is also available in
alternative formats)

• http://www.csci.org.uk/about_us/news/about_us/news/review_of_eligibility_criteria/review_alternative_formats.aspx

• or by sending us a written submission from you or your organization: http://www.csci.org.uk/about_us/news/about_us/news/review_of_eligibility_criteria/review_written_ submissions.aspx

The consultation stage of the review will close on the 9 May 2008.
Earlier this year we were asked by Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis, to look at how the system for deciding who qualifies for support from local councils could be improved.
The Minister’s request came after we launched our third annual State of social care report in January. This found that there is a sharp divide between people who do and do not qualify for social care.

• Read more about the State of social care in England 2006-07 report:

• http://www.csci.org.uk/about_us/news/about_us/publications/state_of_social_ care_07.aspx

The current system used by councils to determine access to social care services is called ‘Fair Access to Care Services’ (FACS). We aim to make recommendations on how this system could change to meet the Government’s vision of more personalised social care services.

• Find out more about the FACS system http://www.csci.org.uk/about_us/news/about_ us/news/review_of_eligibility_criteria/review_facs_system.aspx

• Read our press release launching the consultation http://www.csci.org.uk/about_us/news/about_us/press_releases/have_your_say_on_facs.aspx