Accessing specialised short breaks
Most children can access short breaks through community and targeted services.
Some children with more complex disabilities may need additional support, which can be considered through the children with disabilities (CWD)team following a child and family assessment.
Children who are typically eligible for service from CWD team include those with:
- severe learning disabilities
- complex physical disabilities
- severe sensory impairments
- profound and multiple disabilities
- autism alongside significant learning disabilities and communication needs
- complex health needs
To be considered for support from the children with disabilities team, a child will have a diagnosed disability or there will be clear professional evidence of a long-term or permanent disability that has a significant impact on their daily life.
If a child does not meet the criteria for support from the CWD team, they may still be eligible for help from other children's services teams.
Where appropriate, families will be signposted or referred to the service best placed to meet their needs.
A child and family assessment
This assessment will help the CWD team to understand:
- your child's needs
- the impact on family life
- the support already in place
- whether specialist short breaks may be appropriate
Following the assessment, recommendations are considered by the CWD team to determine the most appropriate support. This may include support from other children's social care teams where this is more appropriate to the family's needs.
Support may include:
- direct payments
- domiciliary care
- overnight short breaks
- specialist activities
A decision will always be shared with the family and explained clearly.
For more information and full eligibility criteria visit the children with disabilities team page.
