23.05.13
Human rights guidance published for councils
New guidance has been launched to help local authorities understand their human rights obligations when commissioning and procuring home care for older people.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published the guidance, which highlights how human rights breaches can include physical and financial abuse, and the disregard of privacy and dignity.
Most councils are not making the most of the scope they have for promoting and protecting human rights of people in care. The guidance was written in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, UK Homecare Association and the British Institute of Human Rights.
Equality and Human Rights Commission CEO, Mark Hammond said: “The Commission's Inquiry took evidence from people in local authorities involved in commissioning home care and many told us they would welcome practical written guidance on their obligations under the Human Rights Act.
“This guidance will help local authorities take a human rights based approach to commissioning care, which empowers service users and provides a set of common values for front line staff. If the guidance is fully respected it will mean people can live in their own homes confident that they are safe from inhuman or degrading treatment, their autonomy and independence is maintained as far as possible and their dignity and privacy is protected.”
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