Respite and breaks

What is Respite? 

Respite means "a short period of rest or relief from something difficult".

Parents who are experiencing difficulties within the home may sometimes refer to needing Respite. They may need support to look after their child for a period of time, such as to complete tasks that are difficult to do with their child.

Professionals often think of this within the context of formal respite for children with special needs. However, respite can be provided in many ways and can be beneficial to both the parent/carer and the child or young person.

Supporting Families 

Some families may already have good support systems which naturally provide respite. Other families may not have a support network at all and may not have considered how those around them could help. They may be able to identify other forms of respite that can help to support them as well.

It is important to support families to understand what they mean when talking about respite. They may need help to identify opportunities to achieve what they are looking for.

Types of Respite

Respite does not have to be a lengthy period of time whereby the child/ren are out of the family home for a day or several days at a time. Respite can be shorter periods of alone time for the parent or child to allow them to refocus and ensure they have some ‘me’ time.

There are many different avenues that can be explored to provide respite time for parents, this could be regular or at times when they are particularly struggling. 

Respite could be the child going to a club or group, including after school groups at school. It could include Guides and Scouts, going out to relatives or friends for an hour after school, or staying over for a night or even a weekend.

Understanding the support required

To understand the right source of support it is important to understand what the parent seeks to achieve from the respite. For example, do they find going shopping with their child/children difficult? Could a relative take the children to the park and then home for dinner for a couple of hours while they do the shopping? This sort of respite would allow them to do the shopping and put it away before the child got home. Being able to do this sort of task could make all the difference for them and enable them to have the relief they need.

If arrangements can be identified and agreed within the family’s network of support (including friends) then this is ideal. This natural support can be increased as required, should it need to be at particular pressure points.

Other forms of respite

In addition to natural support from family and friends, groups for children can also be a helpful source of support. These can provide an engaging activity for the child to enjoy and much needed alone time for the parent(s).

For children with additional needs, short breaks can be another form of respite that can be accessed. The short breaks offer is accessible through: 

• Universal Short Breaks (all ages). These are everyday community services that can be accessed without an assessment. These can include youth clubs, after school activities, leisure centres and day nurseries.
• Targeted short breaks (ages 0 to 19). These are specific short break activities for children with a disability. Professionals can complete a referral, or families can self-refer to access these. 
• Specialist short breaks (ages 0 to 18). These are designed to meet the needs of an individual child and their carers following a Child and Family (social care) assessment. These are highly specialised and bespoke services.

What short breaks can offer

• Children and young people with disabilities have time away from their families. This helps to develop independence, learn new skills and make friends. 
• Parents and carers receive a break from caring responsibilities. 

More information can be found on short breaks on the Family Information website.