Support for children aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Respite Care

Respite care is a form of short-term substitute care for children with significant disabilities or a serious health condition, which is provided by someone other than parents or the usual carers of the child.

It may form part of a support package based on the particular needs of individual children and their families. It may take the form of day care or overnight care at regular intervals, in the home, with another family or at a residential unit, or via access to a community facility such as a play scheme.

It should be both a positive experience for the child to have opportunities away from their family, while giving the family a break from constant caring.

Types of respite care
Access to services