Overview
‘Short breaks’ could include daytime, evening, overnight and weekend activities for the child or young person and can take place in their own home, the home of an approved carer, or in a residential or community setting.
Short breaks give disabled children and young people time away from their carers to try out new things, have fun and make new friends. Short breaks can also provide families with a chance to do ordinary things together.
You can also find information on short breaks, the eligibility criteria and make a payment on the Children with disabilities page.
Could you offer occasional care for a child with disabilities?
Short break foster carers are aged over 21 and have a spare room in their house. This scheme appeals to people with experience of disability who have limited time to give but who want to make a real difference to the life of a disabled child or young person. A payment is made for each of the periods of time the child spends with their foster carer. This is at a higher rate than for mainstream fostering to take account of the extra needs of the child.
Visit Fostering in Somerset website for more information, call 0800 587 9900 or email fosteringteam@somerset.gov.uk and ask about short break caring.
