Mumsnet Talk

Hi all,

I'm a social worker with only limited experience of working in a fostering team (did a Form F when I was a student). My parents are interested in providing respite for children with disabilites and are asking me lots of questions I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer so I wondered if you could help.

Firstly is there much call for respite foster carers at present, if so would the respite just be for looked-after children or would respite carers be used for children who normally reside at home with their parents (to give them a break etc)? I would imagine under this current government people are losing short breaks left right and centre?

My 24 year old brother has Down syndrome and is still at home. He doesn't have any significant health or personal care needs, no behavioural problems, is very emotionally intelligent and generally lovely. I've no concerns about his care needs impacting upon a foster child but the bedroom situation might be a problem. As things are currently any foster child would have to use his bedroom and he would move temporarily into the attic room (perfectly safe for him but wouldn't put a child up there). Would this be an issue? If so my parents would consider putting the first floor back to how it was years ago (basically with an extra box room).

I've told them to request an initial visit from their local council but just thought I would test the waters here too! Thanks in advance.

Hello Noir,

We started short term fostering this year, we inquired about respite care at the begining but our LA no longer take on carers just for respite. We have provided respite care for other fc's but again our LA no longer offer respite for children living with their birth families . It may vary in different LA's so it might still be worth just contacting your LA or have a look at their website. I think they would have an issue with the bedroom arrangements too.

I think the same about the bedroom arrangement, they might not be happy about your brother having to move each time or they might have to see for themselves that they actually have a functioning spare room.

It is always worth asking them to come out to chat as Maryb says all LA's are different.

Good luck to them!

It isn't really possible to say what the needs are for respite care for children with disabilities because all LAs will have different needs at different times. Some LAs out-source their respite care for short breaks to Barnardoes or some other vol org. The LA I worked for (now retired) did this, and it was usually for children living at home with parents. Yes I'm sure you're right, under this govt anyone who is disadvantaged in our society is going to lose out.

I am wondering why you don't talk to your LA about your parent's wishes, though presumably they live in a different area.

The bedroom could be an issue - it all depends on your brother really.

I think the best thing is as you say for your parents to contact their LA and take it from there.

My la still have respite carers thats how I started off.

My la are desperate for people

Thanks for your perspective guys. Nananina, I live/ work at opposite end of the country from my parents, but saying that I did my fostering placement at one of their neighbouring authorities, may speak to one of my ex-teamies there. Thanks for the suggestion.

Hi I am a foster carer providing short breaks for disabled children and young people. Most local authorities have schemes, and as mentioned before so do some voluntary organisations. The Short Breaks Network is a charity who promote short and provide info to carers and people who are interested in providing short breaks (tends not to be called respite now) have a look at their website, not sure if I am allowed to post links on here

Thank you Redgate, will definately look into that!

My husband and I are starting as Family Link carers with our LA this Saturday - we will have the same child (and for various reasons, her younger brother, but that is not usual) for one Saturday every 2-4 weeks for the day. We may move to having them for overnight visits later in the year if they settle well with us. I think Family Link is a nationwide term, not just what they call it in our LA. We are linked to this one family and the idea is not just to give mum respite time but also to develop the children's social network and skills. It's lovely that we always get the same children so we can form a real relationship with them, and we can do this without giving up our jobs as it's weekends (and perhaps holidays) only (we're both teachers).

Hi halterskalter, that sounds fantastic - hope it all goes well on Saturday, I'm sure it will do Really does sound like a win/win situation, the family get a break from caring, the kid(s) have a great time, and I'm sure you will too! Let us know how you get on x