Debate contribution: Respite Care
Debate contribution by Mr Robin Swann on .
- MLA
- Mr Robin Swann
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 21 May 2024
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Respite Care
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4491597
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I thank the Member for his question. Short-break, or respite, care provides valuable opportunities for children and young people with complex needs to spend time away from their parents and primary carers, while also allowing parents and primary carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Across Northern Ireland, respite care for young people with complex needs and severe learning difficulties is delivered by the five health and social care trusts in partnership with the community and voluntary sector (CVS). Access to, and the frequency of, short breaks is dependent on individually assessed need. Short-break provision in Northern Ireland for young people with complex needs and severe learning difficulties who are being cared for at home may comprise overnight periods of care in a short-break residential unit; day or overnight periods of care with an approved carer; support or care services provided to the young person in their home that enables the family to do other tasks; befriending services; community activities; and day trips. Short breaks and respite services are also provided across the five trusts by the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice for all children with a life-limiting condition. My departmental officials continue to work with the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice to plan for a more sustainable future, because it is acknowledged that regional availability of respite for young people with a disability is a pressure across our trusts. There has been a reported increase in the number of children and young people with a disability and an increase in the demand for access to short breaks and respite services. My Department continues to work with each of the trusts to closely monitor regional service provision for young people and adults.
282 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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