The document aims to widen the opportunities available to children and young people, reduce the amount of time recipients have to wait and improve the lives of disabled children.
The consultation runs from Tuesday 6th October to Monday 23rd November. All those interested are invited to take part in the consultation, particularly parents, family members, professionals and community groups who have a view on the way we carry out our work.
“Short breaks are an important part of making sure disabled children and young people can enjoy safe, fun and inclusive activities, while parents, families and carers have the time they need to recharge.”
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Paul Webb, said: “Short breaks are an important part of making sure disabled children and young people can enjoy safe, fun and inclusive activities, while parents, families and carers have the time they need to recharge.
“The ways breaks are offered is varied and tailored to a young person’s needs. It might be better to have a community-based club, overnight stay or in-home support, and this refreshed strategy aims to set out how we’ll make this happen for eligible people.”
Since the original public consultation was launched this March, the draft strategy has been amended with key changes including:
- Clearer, more accessible information about Short Breaks, eligibility, assessment routes, service options and where families can find support.
- Stronger safeguards for children and young people with complex needs, including clearer provider information on staffing, training, personal care, communication, sensory, medical, behaviour and safeguarding support.
- Clearer information on overnight Short Breaks and future service changes, including how reviews, family feedback and any changes will be managed.
Alongside the Strategy, KCC is also consulting on plans to:
- Change how overnight short break nights are allocated to ensure they reflect individual needs.
- Retire the Max Card offer linked to the Disabled Children’s Register, while signposting families to wider discount initiatives.
Residents can view the full Strategy and information on KCC’s other proposals and take part by completing the online questionnaire at www.kent.gov.uk/shortbreaksconsultation. Easy Read versions of the strategy and questionnaire will also be available on the website.
Questions can be emailed to: commissioningfordisabledchildren@kent.gov.uk
(Please quote Short Breaks Consultation.)
Other alternative formats, such as paper copies or Large Print, are available on request by emailing alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or calling 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number:18001 03000 42 15 53).
ENDS
