Guidance

Short break care: how local authorities should provide it

Information for local authorities on how to provide short break care (otherwise known as respite care) to disabled children.

Documents

Short breaks for carers of disabled children

Details

This guide covers:

  • who should be considered for access to care breaks
  • what services the local authority must provide
  • what to consider when planning care breaks, for example the culture and needs of the family

The Short Breaks Regulations provide further detail on how local authorities must perform their care duty under the Children Act 1989.

Information for care managers on how to provide inductions for short break carers is also available.

Updates to this page

Published 24 March 2011

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