Cabinet approve redesign of short break and respite services
Cabinet members have approved a redesign of short break and respite services for children and young people with additional needs.
It is expected that the new way of working will improve outcomes for children and families, provide support closer to home and ensure services are more tailored to individual needs.
The council offers a range of services which provide short breaks, activities and overnight respite for children and young people and their families and carers.
Most of this provision is currently based at fixed buildings but, during the Covid-19 pandemic, support was provided in the communities where those children and families lived.
This made the support more personalised and, as a result, many families have changed the way they wish to receive respite, short break and activity provision.
A recent consultation showed that families wanted more flexibility in accessing support, an easier referral system and more use of community venues because the distance from their home to the current fixed buildings was creating a barrier.
The council has listened to these opinions and agreed a new model that makes the support more appropriate to the family’s needs, increases the options available, promotes life skills and gives the right support in the right place at the right time.
Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said:
“Children using the short breaks service have a range of different needs – such as autism, social and communication difficulties, and speech and language difficulties – and we want to support all of them in having the best start in life. The changes will improve people’s access to these important services, which are not just vital to children and young people but are also highly valued by their families.
“We need to meet the changing needs and wishes of our families and this was reinforced by the consultation feedback. Each family’s circumstances are unique and, through the new model, bespoke plans will be developed and different options considered.
“We want existing services to work together more closely, helping the vulnerable in a way that’s also the most effective use of resources. Support for each child will be personalised and they will benefit from a range of experiences.
“The council will continue offering high-quality overnight respite where appropriate. Overall, our aim is for children to experience support and activities which enhance their lives, meet identified health and wellbeing needs and developing greater independence.”