(iv) How the NHS could help to support carers more effectively, and whether a legal duty on the NHS to identify and assist carers would be workable.

(v) Whether young carers should be included in such a right to assessment, and how this could be done in a way to support family relationships.

(vi) The Group concluded that a statutory right to respite care would be useful, but could limit agencies' flexibility; the Executive are still interested to hear opinions on this.

(vii) Whether parents' rights are sufficient at the moment or whether a new enhanced right to assessment for parent carers should apply to them.

(viii) Whether there is a case for a voucher scheme to allow carers and those for whom they care to schedule breaks that would suit them better.

(ix) Finally, the Group want feedback on the resource implications of their proposals on local authorities, other agencies, and cared-for persons.

4. Draft National Care Standards

This second "tranche" lays out draft standards of care in residential accommodation for (a) people with learning difficulties (b) people with physical and sensory impairment (c) people with drug and alcohol problems; they also lay out standards for care at home services for adults (which have not been subject to such regulation before). These standards, along with the other two "tranches" covering different areas of care, will be the measures for regulation by the Commission for the Regulation of Care (see Briefing Paper 3/6). They have been developed in consultation with service users and carers; the current consultation is open to the wider public, for comment by the end of June, to Jane McEwan, Regulation of Care Project, Room 24, James Craig Walk, Edinburgh, EH1 3BA; 0131 244 3508; jane.mcewan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

5. The Future for Care Homes

This consultation lays out "what needs to be different" for care homes to deliver the sort of services envisaged in the national care standards, in terms of physical accommodation, staffing, information for potential residents, equipment, etc. Responses should be sent, by 16 July, to Marie Climson, Room 1-C(N), Scottish Executive, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ; 0131 244 3641; marie.climson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

The Executive have also recently published revisions of the guidelines for charging for residential accommodation, although the major debate on paying for long-term personal care for the elderly will follow the report of the Care Development Group.

Theological and Church Context

As an earlier SCPO Briefing suggested, practice and theology point to support for steps to secure better care for all those who are vulnerable. Caring in the name of Christ cannot be less "professional" (in the positive sense of meeting the highest standards) than what is offered by secular agencies. While churches and Christian groups continue to do the pioneering and effective work that has paved the way for much of the wide range of work that goes on through public, private and voluntary agencies today, they will welcome the drive to improve standards across the board.

The whole idea of support for carers, and how that is best achieved, is one which can be a very positive challenge to the Christian community. It may also be an area in which we have important experience to contribute to the debate.