South Australian Consolidated Acts

CARERS RECOGNITION ACT 2005 - SCHEDULE 1

Schedule 1—South Australian Carers Charter

1—Carers have choices within their caring role

        (1)         Carers should have the same rights, choices and opportunities as other South Australians.

        (2)         Carers should be supported by individuals, families, business and community organisations, public institutions and all levels of government in the choices they make in their caring role.

2—Carers health and well-being is critical to the community

        (1)         Carers are entitled to enjoy optimum health, social, spiritual and economic well-being and to participate in family, social and community life, employment and education.

        (2)         Carers should be supported to balance their caring role with their own needs.

3—Carers play a critical role in maintaining the fabric of society

        (1)         Carers should be recognised and valued for their important contribution to the well-being of the Australian community.

        (2)         Carers should be recognised for their unique experience and knowledge in the caring role.

4—Service providers work in partnership with carers

        (1)         Caring is a social and public responsibility shared by individuals, families, business and community organisations, public institutions and all levels of government.

        (2)         Carers should be recognised as individuals with their own needs, within and beyond the caring situations.

        (3)         The relationship between a carer and the person they care for needs to be respected and honoured.

        (4)         The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers.

        (5)         The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers.

5—Carers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities need specific consideration

        (1)         Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers should be specifically identified and supported within and outside their communities.

        (2)         Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers should be supported by business and community organisations, public institutions and all levels of government.

        (3)         Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers should be provided with culturally appropriate support services that take into account the history, health and well-being of their extended families.

6—All children and young people have the right to enjoy life and reach their potential

        (1)         Children and young people who are carers should be specifically identified and supported by individuals, business and community organisations, public institutions and all levels of government.

        (2)         The special needs of children and young people who are carers and the unique barriers to their access to service provision should be recognised and acted on so that, as far as possible, they have the same opportunities as other children and young people in Australia.

        (3)         The caring responsibilities of children and young people who are carers should be minimised.

7—Resources are available to provide timely, appropriate and adequate assistance to carers

        (1)         Carers need access to a wide range of responsive, affordable services to ensure informed decision making and support for them in their caring situation.

        (2)         Carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may have complex needs that require appropriate service delivery.

        (3)         Carers in rural and remote communities have barriers to service provision.