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Modernising social services promoting independence, improving protection, raising standards

This White Paper presents the government's plans for modernising social services provision. It states the principles underlying the government's 'third way' in relation to social care, which de-emphasises the status of the provider in favour of promoting independence and ensuring the delivery of quality services, and notes the establishment of a Social Services Modernisation Fund. The paper goes on to outline proposals for improving services for adults and for children. It then sets out proposals for general improvements in user protection, the system of regulation, and workforce standards, and notes the intended establishment of a General Social Care Council. The paper's concluding sections explain plans for facilitating partnership with the NHS and non-statutory bodies, and present a framework for cooperation between local authorities and central government in promoting the delivery of efficient, high quality services. Cites numerous references.