Short breaks offer children and young people with disabilities overnight care in a family setting and give parents/carers a vital break from their daily caring responsibilities.
Many children with disabilities do not have the same opportunities as other children. Regular contact with a short breaks foster carer and their family can be an enjoyable and positive experience for a child, boosting their self-esteem, providing new friendships and encouraging independence.
The short break enables parents/carers to recharge their batteries, spend time with other family members and do things which are not always possible when their child with a disability is at home. A regular break can be a lifeline to parents, sustaining them and helping them to continue to care for their child.
About the children and young people
The children and young people in need of short breaks will be aged 0-17 years and may have a physical disability, learning disability, autism/ADHD or a complex health condition. Most will be living at home with their parents/carers; but some may live with foster carers who also require a short break from their caring responsibilities.
Who can be a short breaks foster carer?
Short breaks foster carers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are compassionate and caring people who are willing to open their homes to children and young people with disabilities. Carers are asked to commit to providing a minimum of one overnight per month; but often they choose to provide more regular support to children and families on a fortnightly or weekly basis.
To become a short breaks foster carer you do not need any specific skills or qualifications; just the willingness to make a positive difference to a child’s life.
It is important that short breaks foster carers:
- enjoy the company of children and young people; and are warm, caring and patient
- can provide a good standard of care for children and promote their health, education and leisure interests
- listen and communicate with children/young people with disabilities in a way that is appropriate for their age and understanding
- are willing to learn new skills
- can put boundaries in place in order to manage behaviour in an effective and positive way (your social worker will assist with this)
- have energy and motivation to remain committed to a child/young person
- are able to work with the family of the child/young person and with professionals involved in the child/young person’s care
- do not have a police record for violent or sexual offences
- have a spare bedroom where the child/young person can sleep
- are available to attend relevant training
How do you become an approved short breaks foster carer?
Once you express an interest in providing short breaks foster care, your suitability to care for a child with a disability will be assessed. It is a thorough process but is necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of any child/young person in your care. Many applicants find the assessment experience helpful in preparing them to become a short breaks foster carer. During the initial phase of assessment, you will be invited to complete pre-approval training alongside specific training in respect of disability. Necessary checks will also need to be completed such as Access NI and a medical.
What support do short breaks foster carers receive?
While you are being assessed, you will be offered the opportunity to avail of pre-approval training; this will give you the opportunity to explore whether providing short breaks is right for you and your family. You will get to meet and hear from existing short breaks foster carers and learn more about the support and training which will be offered to you in your role.
Once approved, short breaks foster carers receive specific training based on the needs of the child/young person placed with them. Responsive and flexible support will be provided from a dedicated social worker, including regular visits and telephone contact. You will also receive support from the child/young person’s social worker, and other professionals involved in their life.
Parents are very appreciative of the break provided to them. It is often possible for short breaks foster carers and parents to build a positive and supportive relationship.
| “We thoroughly enjoy providing short breaks for a child with disabilities. We get to support the child and their family while fitting this commitment around our jobs and busy family lifestyle. Our own kids enjoy getting involved in different activities and playing games with the child we care for – they have a great relationship! We make our home a safe and happy place for the child who stays with us and would encourage more people to provide short breaks as it’s very rewarding and has enriched our lives.” – Kerry and Colm, short breaks foster carers |
An allowance will be paid which covers the cost of caring for the child/young person. There may be circumstances where additional money is paid eg. for nappies or bedding. Any additional equipment you require will also be provided. Your social worker will discuss this with you depending on the needs of the child/young person you are caring for.
Some short breaks foster carers are fee-paid as they undertake to provide a certain number of overnights every month. Agreed regional rates for this are payable currently at £27,000 for 16 overnights per month, pro rata.
Matching
Once you are approved, your social worker will talk to you about children/young people on the short breaks waiting list who may be a good fit for you. You will have the opportunity to meet the child/young person and their parents/carers and to get to know them before agreeing to provide overnight short breaks.
| “Short breaks care is really fun! You’ll get to be part of seeing a child develop, become more independent, get out and about in the community and feel safe and happy in your home. There is loads of ongoing support from the short breaks team so you never feel alone. It really makes a difference in a family’s life.” – short breaks foster carer |
Contact us
To find out more about the process of becoming a short breaks foster carer, call us on 0800 0720 137 or complete an online enquiry form.