Everyone needs a change and time off occasionally, whether it's for an hour, a day or a week. This can be especially true for carers - caring can be exhausting. Having a break is more likely to help you cope with caring and give you necessary time for yourself to recharge your batteries. You may want a break so that you can follow up your interests and catch up with family and friends. You may want to plan a longer break to allow you to go on holiday. The person you care for may benefit from a break too. The reality for some carers may be that the person they care for only wants the carer to look after them.

Aiming High for Disabled Children and Young People
The Government wants disabled children to be a priority both nationally and locally, as more needs to be done to improve the lives of disabled children and their families. Following a review of the opportunities available to disabled children; the 'Aiming High for Disabled Children: better support for families' programme was launched in May 2007 to transform disabled children's services.

This programme focuses on the following three areas:
    ·         Access to services and families having more confidence, choice and control 
    ·         Responsive services and timely support 
    ·         Improving the quality and quantity of services.

Families told the Government that their number one priority was to have regular and reliable short breaks from caring. The Government has responded to this by putting substantial investment of £770 million nationally in to the transformation of short breaks.

Who we cater for?
We cater for children 8-18 year olds with a diagnosis of a physical disability and/or complex health needs. Any child or young person who is confined to a wheelchair automatically becomes eligible for respite services but all others must meet threshold criteria (this is defined by each Local Authority). Prospects Short Break resource is able to care for virtually all type of disabilities, however, it will depend on an individual assessment of the care needs of individual young people.

How do I arrange a break?
Your local authority has a responsibility for arranging services that help you to take a break from caring. This is usually done through a carer's assessment . Your social services will have information on the range of providers of services which will help you to take a break, including voluntary organisations and specialist providers. Social services can help to pay for break services (either by paying the home directly, or through direct payments or vouchers to you or the person that you look after). Voucher schemes are only operated by some local authorities, but the number is increasing. They enable you and the person you care for to choose when and where to have the break. Contact your local social services to find out if they operate such a scheme.

Arranging the break yourselves
If the person you care for can pay for the complete cost of short term care you may decide to make your own arrangements. It is a good idea to ensure that the person has had a care assessment even if they are paying for the care themselves. You will then be clearer about the kind of care they need and they may get help with all or some of the cost through a direct payment. Get information from your local social services department. They must tell you about the range of short breaks available, eligibility criteria and how to apply. A need for respite care can be identified via an assessment under the Children Act 1989, the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 or the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995. 

Funding is dependent on your personal circumstances; payment can be arranged either directly to Prospects from the Local Authority or in the form of Direct Payments to you. Direct Payments are payments paid to a person with a disability so that they can arrange a service themselves.
Short breaks for families of disabled children may be free. Parents shouldn't be charged for services under The Children Act if they are on Income Support or receive working tax credit and child tax credit (above the family element).

What's on offer at Prospects?
Prospects short break depends on individual need and length of stay; as guidance we offer the following packages (which can be taken on any day of the week including Bank Holidays):

Holiday Package
Our holiday packages provide a range of activities, including:
    ·         residential care (own room) for the duration of the holiday 
    ·         full care team provision 
    ·         agreed educational activities and life skills 
    ·         planned recreational / social holiday activities 
    ·          transport to and from home 
    ·         'family support services'

24 Hour Short Break Package
Prospects 24 hour package includes:
    ·         residential care (own room) 
    ·         full care team provision 
    ·         agreed educational and life skills activities 
    ·         transport to and from home

Day Respite Package
Residential respite and short breaks for one day, for which we:
    ·         manage all care and medical needs 
    ·         fulfil any educational needs 
    ·         handle all mobility / transport issues

Half Day Respite Package
Flexible and emergency respite care - Minimum 4 hours (morning or afternoon).

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