Respite for parents and carers of disabled children

[chopinfan]

Local authorities have a legal duty to ‘have regard’ to the needs of the parents/carers of disabled children in their area. Following from this they also have a legal duty to provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, a range of services to assist parents/carers. The local authority must take into account whether parents will be able to continue providing care if they don’t have a break. It must also consider whether parents could care more effectively for their child if they had a break. If you ask your local authority for respite, mention The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011. The local authority should set out its ‘local offer’ to parents/carers on its website.

Mencap has information about respite/short breaks on its website - mencap.org.uk/advice-and-su...

[jow2319]

Respite is such a complicated area. I'd love to know how other families get on.

[makka_pakka in reply to jow2319]

Respite has always been hard to access for us, as carers of our son. Other local families we know, with children in special school, also struggle. There is very little respite provision for complex needs, it is over subscribed and families have to fight for it and wait years. All we currently get 2 is nights a month overnight respite.

[Swish61]

Parents rarely have a break from caring. Be it hands on or from a distance - which is sometimes even harder. local authorities representatives ought to try it and then realise exactly what the situation is and how it affects parents and the wider family - if any of the wider family bother to keep in touch. This situation is a hidden problem which society is quite happy to ignore. This is the first time in over 20 years I have heard about parents entitlement to respite. That says it all .

[Swish61]

Excellent that you have highlighted this situation. Well done. Always remember the parenting skills you have and care you give.

[chopinfan in reply to Swish61]

Hi Swish61

I agree completely. Parents know their child better than anyone and are the ultimate experts.

Service providers ration out respite for costs reasons, but if you can show you have a legal entitlement they have to find the money to meet it.

[KarolinaBarnetMencap]

Dear all,

I'm Deputy Manager in Sherrick House - respite home led by Barnet Mencap.

Please, fell free to send me an e-mail ([e-mail]) if you would like to get more information regarding the respite referral process. We mostly work with adults with learning disabilities. We also have Take A Break project for children. We may consider to work with clients from other boroughs.

Greetings,

Karolina