The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
What would prevent me from offering short break care?
The following would exclude you from being eligible to offer short break care:
Is financial assistance given to carers?
As a Home from Home carer you will be classed as a volunteer but will receive an hourly expenses payment for each visit to or outing made with the child. We will also provide you with special equipment as needed to enable you to provide a safe environment to care for the child e.g. stair gate, car seat.
How do I apply to be a carer?
To apply, give us a call on 0800 073 0291, email us: familyplacement@slough.gov.uk or write to us: Home from Home – Short Break Scheme, Slough Borough Council, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UQ or complete our online enquiry form. Once you receive the information pack and if you decide that the scheme is for you simply complete the paperwork and return to the scheme as requested. Somebody will then contact you to arrange a visit to discuss things further with you.
Can anyone apply to become a carer?
Anyone can apply to be considered as a carer with the Short Break Scheme. Carers are as diverse as the children they look after. You can be single, married or have a long-term stable relationship, have a high or low income, you can own your own home or you can rent.
We welcome enquiries from people from a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. You may or may not have the experience of working with children with disabilities.
The only specific barrier to applying is if you have certain type of criminal record. The application process will include police checks to exclude people who would not be considered suitable. A conviction will not necessarily stop you from being accepted but will be carefully considered by us.
How many children can I offer short break care to?
Initially you would be introduced to one child. If you later decide you would be interested in caring for another child at a different time to the first then this can be discussed.
How old are the children that access the Short Break scheme?
All ages from babies to teenagers. The social worker will discuss with you what age children will best fit into your family.
Do I have to be a British citizen to offer short break care?
No, but you must be able to demonstrate that you are eligible to live in the UK on a permanent basis.
Do short break carers need training?
Yes, because the Home from Home – Short Break Scheme involves more than being a caring person, though that is essential.
Carers will initially be trained using an adapted version of a course provided by the Shared Care Network. This course introduces you to the needs of children with disabilities, working with parents and the department, and issues such as managing behaviour, discrimination and disability etc.
Can I offer short break care if I have children of my own?
Yes. Having your own children means you can bring your knowledge and experience to caring for children, but many children are successfully placed with carers who do not have children of their own, or whose children have grown up.
Can I offer short break care if I have a criminal conviction?
You cannot apply to be a carer if you have certain types of criminal record. The application process will include police checks to exclude people who would not be considered suitable to be carers. A conviction will not necessarily stop you from being accepted but will be carefully considered by us.
Can offering short break care lead to fostering or adoption?
On rare occasions carers have offered long term fostering but they have been required to be re-assessed as a foster carer. If you become interested in adoption, then you must be assessed as an adopter in the first instance.
How long do the children stay for when they visit for short break care?
The time needed by each child varies from individual to individual. It can be just a few hours a week during the day or evening on a regular basis, a weekly overnight stay, a weekend once a month or a day a week in the school holidays.
What accommodation do I need for the Home from Home – Short Break Scheme?
As long as you have a room for a child if you are offering overnight stays, it does not matter what size your home is. A child will need their own bed and space to keep personal possessions when staying overnight.
What support is available to a carer?
Each carer is allocated a linkworker from the Short Break scheme, who will be a source of advice and help to you. In addition, all children placed for overnight care will have their own social worker.
Training for carers will be available. Local support groups and coffee mornings provide an opportunity for carers, linkworkers and others to meet and discuss common concerns.
The council also operates an out-of-hours advice line available to approved carers.
How do I find out about the Home from Home – Short Break scheme in Slough?
For more information give us a call on 0800 073 0291, email us: familyplacement@slough.gov.uk or write to us: Home from Home – Short Break Scheme, Slough Borough Council, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UQ. The duty worker will be able to answer many of the questions you may have and will ask a little about yourself. The duty worker will then send out an information pack to you.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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