WCC Short Breaks - Residential Overnight Respite Provision for Children with Disabilities

The provision of short breaks and respite services are a statutory requirement that directs local authorities to assist individuals who provide care for children and young people to continue to do so, or to do so more effectively. The local authority must offer short breaks and respite as part of a preventative model in keeping families together, preventing family breakdown and preventing children with disabilities becoming care experienced.

It should give parent carers a meaningful break from caring responsibilities and provide opportunities for children to have fun, to try new things and to socialise. The service is required for children and young people who are eligible for social care support, where the assessment of need has identified an individual and their family/carer would benefit from access to overnight residential respite services.