To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the reduction of children with disabilities on a waiting list for short breaks between August 2025 and April 2026, to detail the number of these children who (i) received access to short breaks; (ii) were aged out of the children's service; and (iii) are now in receipt of residential care.

Each HSC Trust has provided responses in respect of the above queries. The responses from the Trusts are outlined below:

BELFAST HSC TRUST (BHSCT):

There was a reduction of 12 children on the waiting list for residential short breaks between August 2025 and April 2026 in the Belfast Trust. Of these 12 children:

10 ‘new’ children received access to short breaks

< 5 children aged out of children’s service

< 5 children are now in receipt of residential care.

NORTHERN HSC TRUST (NHSCT):

Within the Children’s Disability Service in the Northern Trust, between August 2025 and April 2026:

Number of children who received a Short Break = 35 (august 25-april 2026). 5 of these children / young people had not previously had a service.

The number of children who were aged out of children’s services: < 5.

The number of children who are now in receipt of residential care: < 5.

SOUTH EASTERN HSC TRUST (SEHSCT):

The Children’s Disability Service in South Eastern HSC Trust have reported the following data:

Received access to Short Breaks: < 5 with < 5 others offered and declined.

Were Aged Out of the Children's Service: < 5

Are now in receipt of Residential Care: 0

SOUTHERN HSC TRUST (SHSCT):

Southern Trust Children’s Disability Service has reported the following data:

8 new children and young people from the waiting list received access to short breaks.

< 5 children and young people aged out of children’s services.

7 of these children and young people continue to receive residential short breaks. (< 5 placement broke down).

WESTERN HSC TRUST (WHSCT):

The Children’s Disability Service in Western HSC Trust have reported the following data in respect of the period August 2025 – April 2026:

< 5 young people who were on the waiting list for residential short breaks came into the units as emergency short breaks. Of these, < 5 have transitioned to Adult Services and < 5 have also now been reunified with their families following the establishment of the Specialist Support Team and greater access to community & voluntary sector short break activities. < 5 Young People availed of residential short breaks via NI Children’s Hospice.

No young people ‘aged out.’

< 5 young people who were on the waiting list for residential short breaks are now in residential medium/long term placements.