The main requirements of the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 are:
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The right for a carer to request an assessment of their needs, even when the person they care for refuses an assessment of their care needs. The carer has to be aged over 16 and has to be providing or intending to provide regular and substantial care for someone aged over 18.
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The right for a parent with a disabled child to request an assessment.
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The power for local authorities to provide carers with services which help them to care.
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The ability for local authorities to provide direct payments to carers, including parent carers and young disabled people aged 16 and 17.
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The ability for local authorities to provide voucher schemes for short term breaks to enable carers to take a break from caring.
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The ability for local authorities to charge carers for services they receive.
