Short break services statement
Who is this for?
This information is for families in Hartlepool who have a disabled child aged 0 to 18 years. It explains how short break services are provided and how you can access them.
What are short breaks?
Short breaks give children and young people with disabilities the chance to enjoy new experiences, while giving families time to rest, recharge or spend time with other family members.
Short breaks are part of a wider package of support for families. Research shows that early and timely support is essential - families should not be left waiting without knowing what help is available.
Our legal duty
Under Paragraph 6 of Schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989, local authorities must provide short breaks to support families who care for disabled children. This duty is supported by the Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2010, which came into effect on 1 April 2011.
These regulations require us to publish a short break services statement that explains:
- what services are available
- who can access them
- how services meet the needs of local families
You can view the full regulations in appendix A of the short break services statement.
Who prepared this statement?
A working group of parents and council officers reviewed the statement and consulted widely before it was approved by our Children’s Services Committee in June 2017.
Who is responsible?
The Short Break and Parent Participation Officer is responsible for preparing this statement. Overall responsibility lies with our Director of Children's Services and our Children’s Services Committee.
Where can I find the statement?
The short break services statement is available:
- on our website
- on the parent-led 1 Hart 1 Mind 1 Future website
- in special schools and additionally resourced bases in mainstream schools
- through SENDCOs in all Hartlepool schools
- in paper format on request