Short Breaks for a child or young person

Start the process by emailing us

What is a Short Break?

A Short Break is when an approved carer (called a Short Breaks Carer) offers children and young people short stays in their home to assist families at difficult times. For some families this may be a one-off requirement while for others there may be a need for regular Short Breaks to assist them.

Short Breaks carers provide consistency of care for a child or young person and often become a key part of the child's care plan. A child might stay with a Short Breaks carer for one weekend per month or perhaps one or two overnights per week. Providing support through regular, planned, short breaks enables families to remain together and often makes the difference in preventing a family breakdown that could result in a child being taken into local authority care.

Short Breaks carers also provide a service to children in foster care. This could be during times of crisis for the foster family or as part of the child's care plan

Shared Care and Shared Care Plus are specific forms of Short Breaks for children who have a range of disabilities that may include sensory impairment, autism, learning and/or physical disabilities.

Shared Care offers families a regular break from the demanding role of caring for a child or young person with additional needs. Shared Care is usually provided one weekend per month and sometimes for longer periods during school holidays.  Shared Carers will look after the same child every month, building a relationship with the child and their family.

Shared Care Plus offers care for children with a greater level of disability and/or complex needs. Carers will be linked to 2-4 children and will offer each child around 42 nights of care per year, usually at weekends and perhaps a week during the school holidays, if possible.

Do I need a spare room to provide Short Breaks?

Yes, you need a spare room that is suitable for a child. You can specify what age of child you would like to care for, for example a toddler or an 8-12 year old. If you have children of your own still living at home, their preferences will also be taken into consideration.

Do I need qualifications and do I get paid?

You do not need any formal qualifications but you must have an interest in caring for children and supporting families. You will receive an allowance for each child every time you provide a Short Break. For most carers the main reward is knowing that they are helping a child in difficulty.

How do I become a Short Breaks carer?

You can take the next step to begin the process by contacting Families for Children.

Phone 0345 276 5555 between 8.45am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 3.55pm Friday or email the Families for Children Team.