Parents in line for extra help with care

Date published: 18/03/2008

Parents struggling to care for disabled children could soon get more respite help.

The Government has proposed new legislation which would force local authorities to help parents by giving them breaks from their caring responsibilities.

Councils can already provide short breaks, but ministers believe this should be a legal duty.

This means more parents could enjoy essential time out while their child takes part in evening, overnight or weekend activities.

Some £359 million has already been set aside for authorities to transform short-break provision by 2011, with additional funding being released to primary care trusts over the same period.

Children, schools and families Minister Lord Adonis said: “Through the investment we are making over the next three years we will transform short break services for disabled children.

“This legislation will enable us to lock-in the improvements ensuring that short break services are maintained at a high standard of provision beyond 2011.

“It will also ensure that short-break provision is provided on a preventative basis and not just for crisis intervention.

“We want all families to have the support they need to bring up their children, including disabled children.”