Short breaks service statement

Depending on the needs of your child, you may be eligible for direct payments or personal budgets. Direct payments are subject to an assessment of the family’s individual circumstances and other funding that they receive to support their children.

These could help you to buy your own short breaks. They can offer flexibility, choice and control around support for your child and family.

• for children with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, personal budgets can be allocated to support the outcomes in the plan. The option of a personal budget and what you can use it for will be discussed with you by a local authority officer during the drafting of the EHC plan and at the annual review
• children who are eligible for NHS Continuing Care funding have the right to a personal health budget. This can be used to provide support and resources to meet an individual’s health and wellbeing needs
• if your child has had a child and family assessment which has identified eligible needs. Direct payments may be an option for you. Families often use this to employ a carer or personal assistant who can look after their child. This can either be at home or out and about

For further information talk to your child’s social worker, family worker or visit the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service website.