The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011, requires Local Authorities,  to provide a range of short breaks for families with disabled children (age 0-18yrs). In Reading this is provided by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC). Short breaks form part of a continuum of services, which support disabled children and their families.

Short breaks are provided to give:

• Children and young people with a disability enjoyable experiences away from their primary carers, thereby contributing to their personal and social development and reducing social isolation;
• Parents, carers and families a necessary and valuable break from caring responsibilities.

These breaks can include day, evening, overnight and weekend activities and can take place in the child’s own home, the home of an approved carer, a residential or community setting. What is a Short Break explained.

They can last just a few hours to a few days, and occasionally longer, depending on the type of provision and the needs of the child and their families. 

Updated - September 2023