Essex County Council: Children respite changes in coronavirus pandemic

Social care assessments have been put on hold temporarily for families needing short break respite care, Essex County Council has said.

Social care assessments have been put on hold temporarily for families needing short break respite care, Essex County Council has said.

ECC’s Children and Families service provides a range of respite options for families looking after a child with disabilities, where there is an assessed need for respite.

The specialist care to children and young adults extends to support those living with a wide variety of complex health care needs in safe, entertaining and interesting activities, while allowing family members and carers the opportunity to have a break from their normal caring routine.

The package is normally determined with care assessments, but that has been suspended due to social distancing restrictions.

A spokesperson for ECC said: “These options continue to be on offer at this time. As availability of respite care arrangements may be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, ECC has acted to introduce temporary measures to provide greater flexibility to families to enable the continuation of support.

“Families may also access support via the short breaks offer without a social care assessment, although some options may also be impacted, such as caravans and beach huts, during the current government ‘lockdown’ restrictions.

“ECC Children and Families are also working closely with schools to ensure families are supported through the current situation, with some schools offering provision during holiday periods, and with Children and Families contributing to support packages where a child cannot be in school due to health vulnerabilities.”