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Social policy is often characterised by legislation and administration hindering people who depend on it to benefit from it. This paper suggests we recognise the right of disabled people to have the power of decision. The concept of direct payments can help to provide better quality services which are person-centred and which help to eliminate monopolies in the field of social work

After more than a decade of coping with transition challenges in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the need for the reform of family and child welfare systems has been widely acknowledged. Through Changing minds, policies and lives, UNICEF and the World Bank have teamed up in an effort to developing knowledge and tools for the reform of three essential family welfare system regulators (decision making, standards and financing). This publication provides guidelines for redirecting monetary resources by changing financing flows primarily towards support for families at risk and family-based alternatives. This toolkit is part of a three set collection, the other two focus on standards to ensure family-centered outcomes, and decision making processes to reshape the gate-keeping system

This study reports on a critical review of current practice in services designed to provide information, advice and advocacy for older people. The information is derived from a literature search, a search of the websites of local authority and major voluntary organisations, and three focus groups involving older people living in sheltered housing and elsewhere in the community. Examples of good practice are highlighted and some recommendations are made for future action

This paper provides an overview of the social security system for disabled South Africans. It offers a comparative analysis of international public social security systems, identifies the gaps in the literature for further research, and provides recommendations for a more integrated and comprehensive system. This resource would be useful for anyone with an interest in social protection, disability and development

This paper draws attention to the fact that disability insurance needs to broaden its focus and cover more people than just the person with impairment. Many other people, including family members and friends, may have to make practical, financial and psychological adjustments to support the person with impairment.
This paper sees disability insurance as a multidimensional and complex system that should include governmental, private and social insurance aspects

These guidelines, produced by the Gateshead Personal Assistance Pilot Project, provide considerations for disabled people when looking for home care services. Different aspects are mentioned such as how to find an agency, administrative work and staff management.
Although this guide has been written for the situation in the UK, it also gives a more general overview of home care for disabled people