Short Break Care is provided for a disabled child or young person in a carer's own home. This can be for a few hours per week up to several days a month.
Short breaks:
- give disabled children new, enjoyable and fun experiences
- provides them with an opportunity to make new friends
- gives their siblings benefit from spending individual time with their parents
- it provides a break for the parents of the disabled child / young person from their ongoing caring responsibilities
- are a rewarding experience for the carers who often form friendships with the family they support
View our Family Based Short Break Care leaflet for more informationHow to become a Short Break Carer
The first step is to contact us:
- Telephone: 01872 323638
- Email: fostering@cornwall.gov.uk
We hold regular Information Meetings so the next step is to attend one when you can. Following this meeting, a social worker will meet with you in your home to discuss things with you in more detail. After this, your assessment to become a short break carer starts. The assessment includes training and checks and references.
Approved short break carers are governed by the Foster Care Regulations but their role is very different to Foster Carers.
How do people access Family Based Short Break Care?
Children, young people and their families can access Short Break care through their disability social worker. All requests are referred by the disability social worker to the Disabilities Panel.
