Children and young people - respite care

Respite care provides a series of pre-planned short term placements of a particular child with the same carer. The length and timing of the arrangements can vary according to the specific needs of the child and their family.

The 1989 Children Act provides a clear legislative framework for the provision of short-term care. The Act requires children to be consulted about their needs and about the services to be provided and if a child is using 'respite care', the local authority's Social Services must draw up a care plan, visit the child from time to time and review the placements on a regular basis. Whichever agency is providing the short-term care, it should always be part of an integrated and co-ordinated approach to meeting the child's needs.

Respite care can be arranged on a one off or a regular basis. It can also be arranged for short periods of time (such as a few hours) or for longer stays of a week or more. Respite care is usually arranged on a planned basis, but it may be arranged quickly in an emergency situation.

View further information about respite care