These are usually overnight stays once every few weeks.
As a short break foster carer for disabled children, you'll offer a short break to a disabled child on a regular basis, so their parents or carers can have some time to reset and spend quality time with their other children, if they have any. Most of the children will stay overnight in your home.
You would choose how many weekends you offer and for how many children. Carers usually choose to look after one child, once a month.
These children could have complex health needs or learning disabilities across the disability spectrum, from mild to severe.
These children are not in care.
Having regular short breaks means:
- the children can gain new experiences and friends
- their family can get some time for themselves
As a short break carer for disabled children, you may build a relationship with a child or young person and their family over many years, and become part of the extended family.
To be a short break carer, you'd go through the same application process as other foster carers, and get training, support and an allowance from us.
This might suit you if you can't offer full time foster care, but still want to make a difference to the life of a child and their family.
You can find more information on our fees and allowances page.