Take-a-Break

Take-a-Break offers family-based respite to children and young people with disabilities aged 0-18 years. It is a three-way partnership between us, carers (or befrienders) and parents. It is flexible to meet the needs of each child and their family. The scheme comes under the framework of The Children Act 1989 which recommends that every Local Authority shall provide services to children with special needs.

This scheme links a child with disabilities, who lives at home with his or her family, to an individual or family who can help share their care. We aim to provide an opportunity for both the family and child to have a break. A break can be for just a few hours, or an overnight stay, depending on both the needs of the family and what the carer's family can offer.

All families are different, and families with children who have a disability will all have a differing need. Parents may find caring for their child rewarding, but also endless hard work. Time for everyday tasks, going out, being with other children, can be impossible to find. We can provide the opportunity for families to have that time.

Children with disabilities, like all children, can benefit from time away from their family and enjoy the opportunity to join in the social activities of others. Every child is different and each will have different needs, but their fundamental need is for tender loving care as for all children.

As with general foster care, your age, status and qualifications are not important. What we are looking for are people with energy, enthusiasm and a sense of commitment, who can offer a warm and secure environment. Previous experience of caring for a child with disabilities would be useful, but is not essential as training is provided.

Assessment process

To be a Take-a-Break carer you must be over 18 years, either single or a couple, with or without children of your own. If you wish to apply to become a Take-a-Break carer, one of our social workers will assess you, identifying with you your strengths, capacity and ability to care. An assessment report is then presented to the fostering panel for approval for registration. As a prospective carer, you will be given the opportunity to attend this panel, alongside your allocated social worker.

The following checks will be carried out:

• Criminal Records Bureau checks, including Department of Health Consultancy Index. Must be re-checked every three years.  
• GP's report.  
• National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).  
• Probation.  
• Armed Forces Service Record (service and ex-service personnel).  
• Proof of identity.
• Social care for children and families check.
• Child health (if you have children).
• School  (if you have children)

Other members of your household aged 16 or over would also be required to undergo the above checks. In addition, you will need to provide the names of three personal referees who must submit written references, two of whom will be personally interviewed. Additional references may be requested as appropriate.

Training

All applicants must attend the Carer's Training Workshop. The workshop is run in two parts on one full day and one evening.  This is an essential part of your assessment.

You will also be given ongoing training and support at four levels:

• Support, discussion and evaluation during your Annual Carers' Review, as well as ongoing support and advice.  Formal supervision will take place three times a year, although the timing of this will be related to the frequency of placements. 
• Participation in carers' training and support groups. 
• Additional training to meet the needs of a particular child who may have specific health or behavioural needs or who has been abused. 
• Information, eg literature, and access to appropriate professionals will be made available to you as required.

Annual carers' review

As a carer you will be reviewed annually by your Take-a-Break social worker. The review is an opportunity for you and your social worker to discuss how the link is going, address any concerns or training needs and identify things that are going well.

Payments

This is a voluntary scheme. However, all our carers are given a small allowance and mileage expenses. These payments are updated annually. 

Equipment

We have a budget for providing you with essential items necessary for the care of the child with whom you are linked.  This  might be car seats, stair gates, fireguards or materials for direct work with children.  Social workers need to be aware of Health and Safety issues and will liaise with occupational therapists where appropriate.

More information

To find out more about becoming a Take-a-Break carer or befriender, please telephone us and ask to speak to one of our social workers. Please telephone the Take-a-Break team on 01494 475051 or complete the form below.