Some children may have a higher level of need that can't be met by universal or targeted services alone. Specialist short break services can be provided to meet specific needs following a social care assessment of the child's and carer's needs.

In order to determine the overall and individual needs of the child and family, identify short break requirements to prevent family breakdown and to look at the most appropriate solutions, the council's Children with Disabilities (CWD) Team will work with families to complete a needs assessment.

Depending on the outcome of the assessment, needs can be met through a range of short break specialist services, including:

• Direct payments that families can use to employ a personal assistant and/or to purchase other services that meet their needs
• Approved specialist daytime activities arranged by the council
• Overnight short breaks in the council’s Sleepover Scheme
• Overnight stays in a specialist residential setting arranged by the council

Find out more about the assessment process and contact the council's Children with Disabilities Team