Short-Breaks Fostering
Short breaks fostering is a rewarding way to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, while also providing vital support to their parents or carers.
Short breaks give children the opportunity to form new relationships, experience new activities, and develop their skills, confidence, and independence. At the same time, they offer families or full-time carers a chance to rest and recharge, helping them continue their day-to-day caring responsibilities.
June, who has been a short breaks foster carer for 27 years, shares: "It’s one weekend a month when that little bit of extra support is appreciated so much by that child and their family."
What Does Short Breaks Fostering Involve?
As a short breaks foster carer, you become a partner family, providing pre-arranged overnight and weekend care to a child on a regular basis—usually one weekend per month.
Short breaks carers offer a fun, nurturing and supportive environment for a child, providing opportunities to enjoy new experiences. This might include simple activities like baking, visiting the park, or assisting with personal care and communication skills.
Children in need of short breaks have a range of needs, including physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and sensory challenges. Some may require support with mobility, communication, and daily routines, while others may need medication or assistance during the night.
Jan and Alan provided short breaks care for Ethan for 11 years, starting when he was six. Ethan, who was born with cerebral palsy, recalls:
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Every Saturday we would go out, but they would make it a surprise. I really enjoyed doing something different every time and learning about different things. I’d have never been able to have the experiences I’ve had without Jan and Alan. They’ve definitely influenced the way I’ve have grown up and learnt about things.
Ethan
Could you provide short breaks care?
Short breaks fostering is ideal if you want to make a difference but can’t commit to full-time fostering. It’s especially suited to those with experience working with vulnerable children or children with special educational needs and disabilities—whether through parenting or a professional role. However, specialist and bespoke training is provided to ensure you feel fully confident and equipped to care for the child you are partnered with.
June, a long-time foster carer, encourages others to take the first step:
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"There are all these wonderful children and families out there who need this support, and it only takes that one little step to see if it's the right thing for you to do. My family and I have had wonderful years with the children who have come to stay with us."
June
Support and Training
Short breaks foster carers receive:
- A wide range of specialist training, both before and after approval, to help you care for children with specific needs.
- A professional fee payment, depending on the duration of the child's stay.
- Consideration for funding of property adaptations and installations, if needed.
- A setup fee of up to £500.
- 100% Council Tax exemption.
- Lifestyles Leisure Passes for the entire household.