short breaks for disabled children, young people and their families
This section of the website is all about short breaks (sometimes called respite). The Council for Disabled Children describe short breaks in the following way:
" Short breaks are services which focus on disabled children having the same opportunities as other children for fun, enjoyment and activities whilst at the same time giving their parents a break from caring."
We also asked some of the parents we work with what a short break means to them. They said:
- "Day out with whole family with help."
- "An opportunity for me to worry about nothing but myself…have my children taken care of and a chance to recharge my batteries, and enable me to be a better parent."
Read more about what a short break is for parents and carers
Short breaks duty
As part of the short break duty every local authority including Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC), is required to produce a short breaks services statement from 1 October 2011.
The statement will help families understand:
- Who can apply for short break services
- What the local offer is
- What short break services are available
Click here to download the short breaks statement from the CCC website
How to get a short break
To make the short breaks process as simple as possible, we are developing a guide which explains how to get a short break through social care services. It will also explain how to find out about short breaks if you don't want to go through social care services.
