Open Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks

See published specification.

Direct Award

Where an individual has identified their preferred placement for a short break the council will contact the desired provider and directly award from the framework. Where the provider of choice cannot accommodate the request, or the individual has no preference the above process will be completed.

Direct Payment & Self Funders

Individuals who choose a direct payment to fund their short breaks or those individuals who are directly funding their short breaks will be given access to a list of providers from the required lot who are able to take payment in this manner.

This information will include the service offer, ways to contact and arrange assessments/ bookings and the cost of the service. Arrangements for accessing the service will be made by the individual and / or their representative. Payments for the service will be made by the individuals and / or their representative.

Providers must have clear process in place for managing direct payment and self-funders, this can include a deposit scheme to secure a placement and fees for late changes to times and dates. These processes must be shared and agreed with the council so and included as part of the information provided to individuals and their carers.

Referral Process

All requests for the service will come via brokerage or directly from the individual and/ or their family. Where a referral is made from Adult Social Care a copy of the individual's statutory assessment and support plan will be provided to the provider once the offer has been accepted.

Individuals with a Direct Payment should be asked for a copy of their assessment as part of the referral to the organisation.

Where referrals are being made from self-funder, provider should request the completion of a referral form before the service is offered to ensure that the individuals care, and support needs can be met within the service.

Assessment

Where providers are offering any overnight support, be that in a residential or home environment it is important that an assessment is completed, specifically for services being delivered in individuals own homes provider should visit the property to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation for the staff member and that they are happy that the staff member will have access to the resources they require to offer the care/ support highlighted.

For Residential Care and Nursing Homes the provider should follow their usual assessment processes.

Short breaks should be planned and should allow providers to undertake the required assessments, if the service cannot be provided following assessment the allocated provider should inform the council and the individuals as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made. The council will assume that once a service offer has been accepted that all appropriate assessments have been completed.