What is Family Link?
Family Link Carers provide regular short breaks for disabled children and their families who live in Northamptonshire area.
They offer opportunities for children to become more independent, broaden their horizons and have new experiences. It gives them the chance to form friendships outside of their family and a chance to recuperate.
Most families with children need a break from time to time. Parents can relax knowing that their child is in a safe environment with carers who are aware of their child's individual needs, likes and dislikes.
All children need the opportunity to stay safe, be healthy and have fun and gain from new experiences and increase levels of independence.
Where do the breaks take place?
These short breaks take place in the homes of carefully selected and approved carers, or in some circumstances short breaks can take place in the child's own home.
Are the Family Link Carers approved?
All Family Link Carers have been through a full assessment and approval process very similar to foster carers, which is the requirement of Fostering Care Standards.
During the assessment process a number of statutory checks/ references are made which include the Criminal Records Bureau, health, personal references and if appropriate employer references.
Finally they are approved by the County Council Fostering Panel.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to children and young people up to the age of 18 years old, who have a range of disabilities, Autism or Physical Impairments.
The individual needs of each child are carefully considered to ensure that they are 'matched' with Family Link Carers who are best able to care for them. During the 'matching' process consideration is given to many issues, such as the child's age, level of disability, health and safety, community, cultural and religious needs.
Eligibility for Family Link is based on an assessment, which will be carried out by your child's social worker. The level of provision is based on the needs of your child and family. Short Breaks for children take place on a regular basis.
The Family Link provision your child receives will be regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to meet their needs.
Who can be a Family Link Short Break Carer?
You can be a Short Break Carer if:
- you work part-time, you are retired or you don't work.
- You are married, you are single, you have children of your own or you don't.
- You have or you don't have experience in caring for disabled children.
Our Short Break Carers are diverse as the children they care for!
Further information
The Family Link Scheme
John Greenwood Shipman Centre
Farmbrook Court
Billing Brook Road
Thorplands
Northampton
NN3 8UW
