Family Based Short Breaks (FBSB)

Family Based Short Breaks enable parents of severely disabled children and young people to access a regular ‘Carers Break’ when their child stays in a FBSB carer’s own home on a regular basis overnight or for occasional day-time hours.

We ensure that all our FBSB carers and their homes undergo a full assessment and we take up detailed references. Carers also receive ongoing individual training specific to the child’s needs and monthly monitored visits as well as unannounced visits, offering continued support from a social worker.

The Family Based Short Breaks team will match a child’s profile with one of the carers who can best meet their needs. This will be fully discussed with the parent and the FBSB Carer before a placement is agreed and set up.

Working as a Family Based Short Break Carer with Islington

Could I be a short breaks carer?

We consider applicants from all backgrounds and situations. What matters to us is that you care about caring for disabled children and want to learn new skills to help them and want to keep children safe. We would expect you to:

  • Have a spare room for a child to stay overnight
  • Be living in or near to Islington
  • Be able to be linked to one child for at least 12 days a year
  • Be flexible and understanding of children with disabilities
  • Have a sense of humour and a willingness to learn and enjoy a challenge
  • Have time, energy and enthusiasm for a child and their interests

What experience or qualifications do I need?

You do not need any formal qualifications or experience with children with disabilities but you will be enthusiastic, patient, fun loving, flexible and ready for anything. However, to care for children with more challenging behaviour we would ask you have some previous related experience.

What to do next

We run regular information sessions where you can find out more information, please call for dates. These information sessions give you the opportunity to hear more about the short breaks scheme and ask the team any questions you may have.

Allowances

You will receive a financial allowance of £112 for an overnight stay that will help you provide quality experiences for a child. Islington will also help with any basic specialist equipment you may need for children with disabilities requiring adaptations. With children with challenging behaviour support may be provided through extra help working alongside you.

Further training

We will be there every step of the way as Islington offer 24 hour support, training and plenty of help and encouragement through your own dedicated social worker.

For further information contact the Family Based Short Breaks Team.

I could do that! – become a short breaks provider

Watch a short film which will inspire anyone thinking of providing short breaks to disabled children or young people.

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