ACE - Short breaks for children with disabilities

ACE (Alternative Care Experiences) is a scheme to provide short breaks to children with disabilities.

How does ACE help children and families?

Linking a family to an ACE foster carer gives parents a regular break from caring. This might be for a few days a week, or an agreed number of overnight stays a year - whatever suits the carer and the child’s family. As well as giving parents a break, short term breaks provide opportunities for disabled children to make new friends, develop their independence and enjoy hobbies and activities - things that other children may take for granted.

Access to regular breaks is one of the support services that families of disabled children say they are in most need of. Despite this, large numbers of disabled children - both in Plymouth and nationally - are still waiting for short break services.

What sort of children would I be expected to work with?

Short breaks are needed by children with a range of disabilities. In Plymouth there is much demand from families of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and challenging behaviours. Plymouth City Council also needs people who can care for children with medical needs including the use of oxygen therapy and possibly resuscitation, children without sight, or children with short life expectancy.

Can you help share the care for Amelia?

• a commitment to caring for Amelia on a regular basis, providing both daytime and overnight waking care
• the ability to share Amelia’s care with her mum and follow her medication and therapy plans
• the enthusiasm to involve Amelia in a range of community activities
• accommodation that can be made wheelchair-accessible, with downstairs bedroom, bathroom and space for medical equipment
• the ability to care for a child with vulnerable health and willingness to be trained in the following areas:
  • monitoring respiratory changes and use of oxygen therapy
  • suctioning
  • feeding via a gastronomy tube into Amelia’s stomach
  • emergency first aid

Do I need any special experience or qualifications?

Although caring for a child with disabilities can sound quite daunting, you do not need special experience or qualifications, as comprehensive practical and emotional support, and training in children’s individual needs, are provided. What you do need is the time and commitment to make a real difference to disabled children and their families. Like all foster carers, short term break carers receive a tax-free allowance to cover the cost of each child they care for.