Short breaks for disabled children
The County-wide Short Breaks Service provides a range of support services for disabled children and young people aged 0-18 years and their families.
Where other types of fostering provide placements for children and young people because of problems within the family such as neglect or abuse, Short Breaks carers provide positive experiences for everyone including support for parents by giving them a break; this is normally agreed between parents, workers and carers and could be one weekend per month or support during school holidays.
Regular training and support is offered to all carers.
Short Breaks Services comprise of:
‘Home From Home’ foster care:
- foster care families welcome a disabled child/young person into their homes for short breaks which range from a few hours a week to regular overnight stays
- these ‘links’ provide opportunities for disabled children/young people to broaden their experiences and make new friendships whilst their parents/siblings enjoy a change.
Contract care:
- Contract Carers offer regular ‘short breaks’ for disabled children/young people whose needs are complex and challenging
- you will be self employed and work principally from home
- a separate bedroom would be needed. You will be expected to be available for four days (three nights) per week, which will include two weekends out of every four.
Care in the child/young person’s own home:
- occasionally, the care needs of a particular child/young person are such that care is best provided in their own home. This may be for day or overnight care.
Sitting and befriending:
- provides a few hours support each month for a disabled child/young person.
 Sitters provide care in the child/young person’s own home. If appropriate, sitters may also care for siblings.
Befrienders offer support for a disabled child/young person to participate in local community activities.
Return to fostering?
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Children and young people 
