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Kent has been chosen as one of twenty one local authority
areas to lead the way in transforming short break services for
disabled children, as part of the Aiming High for Disabled Children
programme. This status will fund significant investment over the
three year period 2008/11.
Together with its NHS partners in the Eastern and Coastal Kent
and West Kent PCTs, Kent County Council can now develop a range of
new services that will give children enjoyable and valuable
experiences away from their parents and carers. In turn, parents
will have the chance for a break from caring.
What are Short Breaks?
Short breaks can include daytime, evening, and overnight
activities, and can take place in the child's own home, a family
based setting, or a residential or educational or community
setting. They are specialist additional services to support
disabled children and their families, over and above the universal
services available to all families. They can include services
arranged and purchased by families themselves, funded by a direct
payment from KCC's Disabled Children's Service.
Who can access Short Breaks?
A review of eligibility criteria for accessing short breaks is
currently being undertaken so that it reflects the increased range
and volume of short breaks available.
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