Short Break Provider List
September 2015
Middlesbrough Vision for Short Breaks
“Disabled children, young people and their families are involved in developing a range of flexible, and easily accessible, high quality short break services and activities, enabling them to reach their full potential and maintain family stability - make it so!!!!! ”
INTRODUCTION
1. What is a short break service?
Being a parent/carer is the most rewarding experience but it can also be tough, especially if the child has a disability. Sometimes families need a break from caring, and sometimes families need support to enjoy the same activities and experiences as other families.
Previously called “respite care”, short break services provide families with a break from caring and children with the opportunity to take part in social opportunities and activities.
Sometimes they support children and their families taking part in activities and outings together.
Short Break Services exist to help children and young people and their families have the sort of short break that other families take for granted. A short break can be for an hour or a day or for several days. It can take place anywhere – in a child’s home, in a special centre or during a trip to a cinema or other activity.
2. How do families access a short break service?
There are many different ways in which families can access a short break service. For more information about any of these please contact the Short Break Facilitator on Middlesbrough 01642 579169. They include:
· Using the youth clubs, sports groups and other services such as guide groups and drama groups which are available for all families and pay the usual “subs” that all families pay. These services are not listed here, but are usually advertised locally in community centres, libraries and local newspapers and magazines.
· Attending the free outings and activities organised by the Children with Disabilities Team and other organisations and advertised in “Disability Matters” – telephone 01642 579160 if you would like adding to the mailing list.
· Completing a “Direct Application” to obtain a small budget to purchase a service - telephone 01642 579169 if you would like an application form.
· Requesting a social worker completes an assessment of the families’ needs and provides a service. You can request an assessment by telephoning the Council on 01642 726004 and requesting a referral for an assessment in connection with support for a child who has a disability. If the assessment indicates that you need a short break service then this can be provided directly, or families can be provided with a budget to purchase this for themselves.
3. Keeping children with disabilities safe
We know that children with disabilities are more at risk of harm and abuse than other children, and so every care must be taken to keep them safe. For this reason the following must happen:
· When a family wish to employ a personal assistant to work with their child, then a criminal Records Bureau Check must be undertaken - this must happen even if the family have known the person a long time or is a relative. Also insurance must be in place and a risk assessment completed - the booklet “Direct Payments” explains all this if you would like a copy please ring 01642 579160.
· When a family wish to use a service then the Council needs to know that this is safe - that the staff are properly recruited and trained, that insurance is in place, and that the building is safe.
4. Allowing time to set up a service
Please be aware that it may take some time for a group or organisation to set up a service. When you speak to them remember to ask how soon a place or worker may be available.
The services listed in this booklet are those which the Council has checked. However you should still visit the building yourself and talk to the staff to make sure that you feel the service is correct for your child.
If you wish to use a service not listed in this booklet please let us know - we will contact the service and ask them if they want to be included in the list so you can use them.