Service Description: Respite care is a form of short-term substitute care provided by someone other than the parents or usual carers for a child. Respite care is a key support to families and is organised to suit the needs of the particular child and family. It can take place in a hospital, residential setting or in the child's own home. It gives parents free time to give them a rest, to spend time with their other children or in an emergency.
Also known as:- Part Time Fostering, Residential Care
Answer: Carers attend preparation groups prior to being assessed. The assessment process is detailed and is similar to the process that foster carers undergo. References are taken up from many agencies as well as personal references and medical references. A series of interviews leads to a full report being presented to the Fostering Panel. This process is in keeping with regulations issued by the government (Fostering Services Regulations, Department of Health, [Care Standards Act, 2000, and Children Act 1989]). These regulations also govern how the process of Family Link is arranged. - Related Link