Our ‘Short Breaks’ help children and young Disabled people, as part of a regular and supported package of care for them and their family.
Benefits of Short Breaks
As part of a regular and supported package of care, a Short Break helps children enjoy new and positive experiences with their Short Break carer, whilst:
- taking part in family or community-based activities
- making new friends
- gaining independence
- broadening their horizons
Short Breaks are designed for children with a permanent and substantial impairment or illness, which has a profound effect on their health, development and social functioning.
Short Breaks can be for a few hours or longer, and can sometimes be overnight. There are different ways that Short Breaks are provided in York. For example, there are specialist schemes offered by the Local Authority and Voluntary Sector agencies offering group activities and individual support. Some families may prefer Direct Payments, monies paid by the Local Authority directly to families so that they can organise and pay for support themselves.
A Short Break could include having additional support so that a child or young person can join a club or recreational activity in their community. It could involve someone caring for a child in their own home or within the child’s home. It could be extra support for the disabled child to join in family leisure and social activities.
Short Break providers
There are different types of Short Breaks available depending on the assessed needs of the child or young person. These can include support provided directly from the council, including Community Short Breaks, Residential Short Breaks and Short Breaks Foster Care. Alternatively, families can use their budget to be supported by a Direct Payment or independent agency.
There are a few organisations that can help;
- Short Breaks Foster Care
- Snappy are a registered charity, working with children and young people with wide ranging disabilities, from learning difficulties to profound physical disabilities
Apply for a Short Break
Enquire about applying for short breaks online.
To find out more about Short Breaks, see information about Short Breaks from YorOK.