Shared care
This is known in Sefton as Short Breaks for Disabled
Children.
The Short Break Scheme
Caring for a child with a disability can be very demanding. The
Short Break Scheme gives parents a chance to recharge their
batteries and to spend time with their other children. It can also
offer the child a happy and rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are short breaks available to?
Short Breaks are available to children and young people aged
from 0 - 18 years who have a physical, learning, visual or hearing
disability. Different families and children have different needs.
Carers can involve disabled children in ordinary activities, for
example, swimming, bowling, and visits to the park.
How
long is a short break?
The Scheme is very flexible. Care can be offered for:
- Regular overnight stays
- Planned weekends
- Holiday periods
It's an opportunity to give a little time to make a BIG
difference.
Who administers the scheme?
The Short Break Scheme is administered by Sefton's People
Directorate Family Placement Team. Short Break Carers are
assessed as foster carers for the Directorate.
What is involved in becoming a carer?
- There will be an Initial Visit - a family placement worker will
visit you at home to give further information about the fostering
role and answer any questions you may have.
- You will be invited to attend preparation groups for Foster
Carers
- Assessment as a foster carer for the Department
- Agreements between yourselves and the Social Services
Department
- On-going support from the Family Placement Team
- Working in partnership with parents
- Financial costs are paid to cover the cost of caring for each
child.
Is
there any training?
Training is offered on a regular basis. Topics may include:
- Children Act 1989
- Health and Safety
- Emotional Development
- Safe caring
- Lifting and handling
Who can be a short break carer?
- Carers are ordinary people like YOU.
- Being a Short Break Carer is FUN and REWARDING.
We need all kinds of people to help all kinds of children and
families. You may be single, you may have a partner, you may or may
not have children of your own.
We are looking for caring, responsible people from a variety of
backgrounds. You can be from any race, culture, religion, or sexual
orientation. You may be disabled yourself.
We welcome those who have time, energy, flexibility, patience
and a genuine desire and interest in helping a child and in
supporting his/her family.
To find out more, contact the Social Care Customer Access Team and your
details will be passed to the relevant team. A social worker will
contact you either by telephone or in writing, within 5 working
days of your initial enquiry.
They will explain the processes involved in becoming a short
break carer.
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Last Updated on 10/8/2012