To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has undertaken any scoping exercise looking at the potential for foster carers to provide respite or short breaks for children with complex needs, in the last 12 months.

I can confirm that there are two HSC Trusts who already have well established Short Break Fostering Services for children with disability that have been delivering valuable short break opportunities, and which are being further expanded via the investment to the children with disability service.

For those HSC Trusts where this type of specific Short Break Fostering Service has not previously been established – the CWD Funding is being used to develop this service. At present, all five HSC Trusts have commenced developing or are already further expanding specific Fostering Short Breaks Services for children with disability. However, these services take time to establish - with both the recruitment of workforce and foster carers required.

The benefits for families and children arising through short breaks fostering include the experience of receiving consistent, safe care in a family setting, developing strong trusting relationships, being open to new experiences and independence, development of social opportunities, and support with emotional wellbeing and regulation. The individual needs of the young person are recognized to be a priority within the context of matching young people to potential carers.

Short Break Fostering can support parents and carers by reducing carer burnout, strengthening family resilience and building a dynamic and responsive support network around families. This form of short break provision will be an integral feature in ongoing work to enhance the Children with Disability service moving forward.