Short break care

Short Break Care is a specialist service for children with disabilities. They could have a learning disability, a physical or sensory disability, significant health care needs or a combination of these. 

Most are cared for on a respite basis for short periods of time, such as one weekend per month and one evening per week. The aim of this service is to broaden the social lives and experience of these young people. This scheme appeals to people with experience of disability who have limited time to give but who want to make a real difference to the life of a disabled child or young person. Long term relationships are often forged between short break carers, the child or young person and their birth family.

A payment is made for each of the periods of time the child spends with their foster carer. This is at a higher rate than for mainstream fostering to take account of the extra needs of the child, with Short Break Carers receiving a proportionate allowance and fee on the days they foster children. Those carers who care for children who are CHC funded (that is those with complex medical needs) will then receive the £375 pro rata. More information is available on the Fees & Allowances page.

If you are interested call 0800 587 9900 and ask about short break caring.