If you care for a child or young person with a disability, you may often feel that you need a break. If so, you may be able to take advantage of respite care for your child.
Who do we look after?
We look after children and young people under 19 years old, who have a learning disability, and who may also have a physical, sight, hearing, speech, behavioural or mental health condition.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary care for a child or young person with a disability, giving a break to those who normally look after them.
Families are offered an assessment of their needs, to best match them with the relevant services.
Care is provided in day centres, residential care centres or in carers family homes, where your child will receive care whilst you have a break.
Respite care can benefit both parents, carers and children. It gives children with special needs the chance to develop new friendships and enjoy new experiences. It allows parents time for a break, to relax and the chance to spend time with family and friends.
The length of care can vary, from one day each week, to many weeks of continuous care.
The Children's Disability Short Break and Fostering Service
This service offers regular breaks for children with a severe disability, offering both overnight stays away from home and flexible day care. This care is provided in the homes of our Foster Carers.
All carers undergo thorough assessment and are approved as foster carers. This includes all the necessary police and health checks.
Find out more
To find out more about respite care, either as a parent or carer, and to apply for an assessment of your needs, please contact the Children's Disability Service.
East Sussex County Council