This new factsheet for parents and carers of disabled children explains parents’ and carers' rights for short breaks funded by their local authority. 

This factsheet is published by Contact, the National Network of Parent Carer Forums.

Information covered by the factsheet:

An explanation of what we mean by 'short breaks'.

Types of short breaks:

• Day care at home
• Overnight short breaks
• Day care away from home
• Residential breaks
• Family link shemes
• Support for disabled chidlren and young people

Information about what the law says about short breaks

• The Chronically Sick and Disable Persons Act 1970
• The Children Act 1989
• Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011
• Children and Families Act 2014

Where to find out about short breaks in this area

How to get a short break

An explanation of what an assessment is and what happens after the assessment

An explanation of the Universal short breaks services

Payment questions answered

Advice about what to do if you are refused a short break

A list of suggestions of where to go for further information

Please select the link in the External Links box to read the factsheet.

If you would like to apply for a short break, please contact ...

Children’s Social Care (children aged from birth to 18 years) by telephoning the Referral Information Co-ordinators on (01254) 666400

When a young person is aged 18 or over, please contact the Customer Liaison Team on (01254) 587547

Alternately, you can email pamela.price@blackburn.gov.uk  or call Duty Staff on (01254) 503773