AQW 48602/22-27
Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast
Tabled Date: 12/06/2026
Answered On Date: 06/08/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the reduction of children with disabilities on a waiting list for short breaks between August 2025 and April 2026, to detail the number of these children who (i) received access to short breaks; (ii) were aged out of the children's service; and (iii) are now in receipt of residential care.
Answer:
Each HSC Trust has provided responses in respect of the above queries. The responses from the Trusts are outlined below: BELFAST HSC TRUST (BHSCT): There was a reduction of 12 children on the waiting list for residential short breaks between August 2025 and April 2026 in the Belfast Trust. Of these 12 children: 10 ‘new’ children received access to short breaks < 5 children aged out of children’s service < 5 children are now in receipt of residential care. NORTHERN HSC TRUST (NHSCT): Within the Children’s Disability Service in the Northern Trust, between August 2025 and April 2026: Number of children who received a Short Break = 35 (august 25-april 2026). 5 of these children / young people had not previously had a service. The number of children who were aged out of children’s services: < 5. The number of children who are now in receipt of residential care: < 5. SOUTH EASTERN HSC TRUST (SEHSCT): The Children’s Disability Service in South Eastern HSC Trust have reported the following data: Received access to Short Breaks: < 5 with < 5 others offered and declined. Were Aged Out of the Children's Service: < 5 Are now in receipt of Residential Care: 0 SOUTHERN HSC TRUST (SHSCT): Southern Trust Children’s Disability Service has reported the following data: 8 new children and young people from the waiting list received access to short breaks. < 5 children and young people aged out of children’s services. 7 of these children and young people continue to receive residential short breaks. (< 5 placement broke down). WESTERN HSC TRUST (WHSCT): The Children’s Disability Service in Western HSC Trust have reported the following data in respect of the period August 2025 – April 2026: < 5 young people who were on the waiting list for residential short breaks came into the units as emergency short breaks. Of these, < 5 have transitioned to Adult Services and < 5 have also now been reunified with their families following the establishment of the Specialist Support Team and greater access to community & voluntary sector short break activities. < 5 Young People availed of residential short breaks via NI Children’s Hospice. No young people ‘aged out.’ < 5 young people who were on the waiting list for residential short breaks are now in residential medium/long term placements.
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