AQW 22501/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/09/2021
Answered On Date: 14/10/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the current level of respite services for families with children with special educational and physical needs.

Answer:

Short Breaks and respite services are a critical part of the support for disabled children, young people and their families. There is a strong regional consensus that a pressing need exists to increase the range of residential and community based short breaks. Covid-19 has impacted the availability of respites for children’s services. In response, Trusts have occasionally temporarily re-purposed short break settings to accommodate Looked After Children.

The HSCB has developed a draft Regional Framework for Children’s Disability Services, which proposes a new care model for children with a disability in Northern Ireland. The draft framework outlines a model of practice based on: (i) early intervention; (ii) collaboration & multi-agency working; (iii) co-design & decision making with families; and (iv) person centred care.

My officials have engaged with HSCB colleagues on the draft Framework and will provide them with feedback in the coming weeks.