Family Link - short break service for disabled children

Family Link carer roles

Family Link Carers are ordinary people with childcare experience who look after a disabled child on a regular basis.

Day break Carers

Day break care is where a carer offers care during the day to a child in the carer's own home and also out in the community. Carers are expected to be available two full days a month, ideally at a weekend (and additionally during school holidays, if possible). Day Break Carers may have some experience of working with children with a disability but if not, will be trained and supported to be able to care confidently for a child.

Overnight Carers

Overnight care is where a carer offers weekend stays of two nights a month in their own home. Carers need a room for a child to stay overnight but this does not necessarily need to be a spare bedroom. Overnight Carers may have some experience of working with children with a disability but if not, will be trained and supported to be able to care confidently for a child.

Contract Carers

A Contract Carer is a carer offering regular short breaks to children who have more complex and challenging needs. Contract Carers commit to providing at least four overnight stays each month including two weekends in the carer's own home. Carers receive a retainer and then an allowance for each overnight stay provided. Carers will generally be looking after between four to six children (one at a time) who will each come to the carer’s home for regular stays, generally once a month.

Page last updated: 27 September 2023