COULD you become a short-break foster carer and help children with disabilities and their families?

Short-break foster care can mean looking after a young person for an evening or a few days. It gives the young person a chance to do something different, and for their family, it allows vital downtime from caring for someone with additional needs.

Tracy is a short break carer for Cornwall Council, and says the role is very rewarding: “You need to have a good sense of humour and to be open to learn new things, but it is good fun and the young people are amazing.”

Short break foster care gives disabled children new, enjoyable and fun experiences, providing them with an opportunity to make new friends. Their siblings benefit from spending individual time with their parents and it provides a break for the parents. It’s also a rewarding experience for the carers, who often form friendships with the family they support.

Tracy adds: “The families benefit because this represents a chance to re-charge their batteries, spend time with other children or to do things that their caring role doesn’t allow.”

Cornwall Council holds regular information meetings, which are the first step towards becoming a short-stay foster carer. A social worker will then meet with you in your home to discuss things in more detail. After this, there’s an assessment which includes training, checks and references.

Cabinet Member for Children, Health and Well Being, Councillor Sally Hawken, said: “Being a short break foster carer is not only rewarding, but it is a vitally important part of a support structure for children with a disability and their families.”

To find out more visit www.cornwall.gov.uk and search fostering or call the recruitment team on 01872 323 638.