Framework for the provision of Targerted Short Breaks Activities for Children with Disabilities

The Authority is commissioning Targeted Short Break Activities for disabled children and young people to meet our statutory duties, national guidance, local strategic priorities and deliver best practice. The three principal reasons for commissioning this service are:-

i. To support the Authority to meet their statutory responsibilities in relation to Short Breaks provision for disabled children and young people.

ii. To support the Authority to procure services for gaps in Short Break Services for disabled children and young people.

iii. To ensure that disabled children and young people are effectively supported through the transition from childhood to adulthood alongside independent living.

The objectives of the Targeted Short Break Activities Service are:

i. Prevent family breakdown;

ii. Promote healthy and active lives;

iii. Promote independence;

iv. Children and young people are safe, nurtured and achieving;

v. Support good outcomes for young people by being responsive to changing demand and meet emerging needs;

vi. Service Providers meet contract monitoring and financial reporting requirements specified by the Authority.

Eligibility for Targeted Short Break Activities is set out in the Authority’s Short Breaks Statement. This Statement is reviewed regularly, and as such, eligibility criteria may change. Service Providers shall deliver Targeted Short Break Activities to young people with who have been identified as eligible by the Authority.

Targeted Short Break Activities support young people and allows their parents or full-time carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Support is intended for young people in School Years 1 to 13, however the actual age at which these services are provided for each individual, and the age at which they cease, will be determined through the Authority’s assessment process.

Targeted Short Break Activities do not support parents and carers of disabled young people to work. There are separate duties on local authorities in relation to childcare for disabled children under the Childcare Act 2006.