Thinking of providing respite

[SpottedDots]

I have looked into fostering quite a lot over the years and it is something that I would really like to start doing in a few years. At the moment I need to be working full time and my job isn't flexible enough. I would like to offer weekends mainly and a few weeks in the holidays.

My problem is I have no idea where to start looking. I can find plenty on fostering but very little on respite. I'm also worried that I may be too young for it, a few of the fostering agencies I have looked into have a minimum age of 25 and I am 23, so obviously I would need to check up on that.

I would like to offer it to children with disabilities, I have experience and training in a wide range of disabilities so I have a good idea of what is involved although I know it will be completely different to everything I have done before. But it is also not something that I have suddenly decided to do without really thinking about it.

So does anyone have any advice or suggestions on what other websites I can look at?
Thanks

[redgate]

Hi look at the short breaks network website - that is a brilliant place to start :) or feel free to send me a pm, I have been a short break carer (respite is not politically correct!) for 6 years and I abolutely love it :)

[redgate]

www.shortbreaksnetwork.org.uk/

[SpottedDots]

I can't keep up with the political correctness, it changes every day I think!

That website is exactly what I was looking for I think. The really worrying thing is that there is nothing in my area, although I shouldn't be surprised about that. I used to look after my friends little boy for a few hours every weekend because she couldn't find anything suitable.

[redgate]

Where do you live? Most local councils have a similar thing, or there are IFA's and charities like Barnado's you could try. An alternative would be to see if you could support a child via Direct Payments? (A lot less faffing about with being approved etc)

[fostermumtomany]

well our LA Lancashire, have just emailed all carers to tell them that respite will no longer be provided at all. ever.

[ComeYoniWithMe]

We're still called respite carers. No idea it was politically incorrect!

[redgate]

Hahaha it's a bit of a controverial issue!!

The word 'respite' means a "delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite"

Of course looking after kids is hard work, and all carers are entitled to a break - but in the area I work in, when talking about providing a break for birth parents of disabled kids, we call it a 'short break' - a bit more positive, though exactly the same thing as respite!!