We’ve recently talked about the need for short breaks foster care and the importance of it for local families with disabled children. But what exactly does it involve and why is it so important?
As a foster carer, you can offer a short stay to local disabled children and young people who still live with their parents or families.
Short breaks fostering is a regular arrangement where you offer a helping hand to a local family when they need it most.
Usually, this type of fostering means you will be supporting the same children and their families, enabling you to see directly the benefit your care has on families you support.
These breaks, sometimes referred to as ‘support care’, can be during the day, overnight, at the weekends or school holidays, or at a time that works for everyone.
some time away
Short breaks enable children to have some time away from their family giving them the opportunity to experience new things, see new places and gain some independence within a new extended family network.
Regular short breaks can make a real impact on a disabled child’s life whilst giving their families a chance to recharge.
Caring for a disabled child is often a full-time job that can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Having that chance to rest and take some time out every once in a while, knowing that their child is safe and cared for, improves the quality of care they can provide.
Lillie’s story
One local family who benefited from the short breaks care for many years was Lillie’s family from Conwy.
Lillie, who is now 20, has a rare genetic condition as well as many other health issues and learning difficulties, including Type 1 Diabetes. She is unable to manage daily life independently.
For Lillie’s mum, Emma, Short Breaks foster care has been an “absolute saviour” for her as a working mum of three, and for the whole family. “It was like having an extended family to help out, like a ‘Taid and Nain’, which we don’t have nearby,” Emma said.
“Meeting Lillie’s needs is a full time job and can be stressful given that I also have another caring role within my family. There were times when I felt exhaused, I basically had no life of my own. It was hard and although we had a good network of supportive friends, getting any practical help was difficult due to Lillie’s extensive needs.”
knowing she was safe and happy in her ‘home from home’
“When Lillie went for her regular short breaks with her lovely foster carers, or ‘sleepovers’ as Lillie liked to call them, it gave me a chance to take a bit of time out. I’d have a relaxing bath, go out for a coffee or a meal with a friend, watch a tv programme and go to bed knowing that I’d sleep all night!
“Just the simple, day-to-day things really, things that we take for granted.
“It was so nice knowing that she was safe and happy in her ‘home from home’. It meant that I could relax and switch off for a bit, which is something I very rarely did.
learning new life skills
“Looking back, those weekend breaks were life essential for us all as a family, including for Lillie.
“It was an opportunity for her to gain some independence and learn new life skills such as cooking and getting herself ready for bed.”
“I had lots of fun there” – Lillie
Lillie shares some of the special moments that she remembers about her time with her foster carers:
“I had lots of fun there. I had a nice room and my own toys. I helped with the cooking and setting the table. I made cakes. They’d take me to the zoo and for nice walks to feed the ducks. I love animals! They would take me out for Sunday dinner and I would have chocolate cake for pudding, my favourite!”
could you support a local family in need of a helping hand by becoming a short breaks foster carer for a disabled child like Lillie?
If you live in Conwy, contact Foster Wales Conwy and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch for a friendly, no obligation conversation to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
If you live anywhere else in Wales, visit Foster Wales for more information and to find your local authority fostering team.
