Respite care for children with disabilities

The Children with Disabilities Respite Services offer children with disabilities a short break away from home either through day care or a few overnight stays. This means that families can relax knowing that their children are in a safe environment being cared for by trained and caring staff.

Where does the respite service take place?

Respite takes place across a range of facilities including schools, the Beckley Centre and, if overnight, through both Withy Barn and Woodlands Hostel. Respite could even be considered within your own home. Respite can help children make friends and maximise their potential, as well as giving parents a break.

How is your child introduced to the service?

If the service is appropriate for a child, they will:

• receive a level of care, which will be identified through an assessment done by the parents and a social worker.
• undergo a process of introduction.

The introduction usually starts with a visit to the facility by the child and parents or carers or by the carers visiting the child and parents at home. This then leads to a process of introduction which depends on the type of respite provided and could take place in stages, to enable to parents and child to familiarise themselves with the new environment.

We realise that it takes some children longer to settle so introductions are done at a pace to suit each family.

Once everyone is happy, the child will take up the visits, which have been agreed for them.

What happens as your needs change?

All respite arrangements are subject to regular review (either every year or twice a year) so that the package can take into account any change in circumstances.

If you are receiving respite services and your circumstances change quickly (eg you have to go into hospital) you should, where possible, get in touch with your social worker or the Children with Disabilities Team at the earliest opportunity and we will do our best to help you.

Could you give short breaks to children with disabilities? Please visit our ACE (Alternative Care Experiences) page.