Respite care

This a term used to describe a form of short-term care, where a child (both those living at home and in foster care) might go to stay with a foster carer for a weekend, or longer. This may also be where a carer comes into the family home to help provide help in looking after the child.

Respite care is most often provided in relation to a child who has a disability or other complex needs and whose day-today care is particularly demanding or intensive. However, children’s services can offer respite care in respect of any child in need if they think the family would benefit.