Anyone know anything about short break respite fostering?

[Lovethesea]

Am I right in thinking there are organisations that organise links between families with a child with additional needs and a family that can offer care for a weekend or few days every so often?

I am wondering if I am in a position to offer respite but don't know how this is organised, whether my two children are too young (4 and 2.5) etc.

I've emailed Break as they seem to offer this but I'm waiting on information from them and thought the mumsnet grapevine would have a breadth of knowledge on the subject.

[Tilly28]

Me and my partner have just been approved as short break foster carers. We applied to essex council and had to go through the same process as people wanting to be full time foster carers! It's a lot of work but we have just been matched with a family and will now provide respite for a weekend every month!!! Normally the children who get short breaks have disabilities. Hope that helps! :-)

[redgate]

The Short Breaks Network website has loads of info, advice and contacts: //www.shortbreaksnetwork.org.uk

I have been a short break carer for a while, please pm me if you want a chat x

[Lovethesea]

Thanks both of you - do either of you have your own children at home and how old are they?

The youtube link from short breaks is great, thanks.

[redgate]

No I don't have my own lo's, but I know there are lots of families who do - and they say it is a really positive experience for everyone, their kids learn a lot about about disabilities and enjoy sharing with another child.

I think the social worker who does your assessment would look into how it could impact on your family, and if you go ahead they would 'match' you carefully with a child who would fit in with your family.