Halton Short Breaks

Children and young people aged 0–18 years whose daily lives are substantially affected by one or more of the following diagnosed conditions:

• A hearing impairment;
• A visual impairment;
• A learning disability;
• A physical disability;
• A chronic/life threatening physical illness;
• A communication disorder (including autism);
• A consciousness disorder (e.g. epilepsy);
• A mental health condition.

Their condition should usually be expected to last for more than 12 months and have a substantial effect upon the child in more than one of the following areas:

• Physical ability;
• Communication and understanding;
• Awareness of risk and danger;
• Behaviour;
• Independence.

We understand that children and young people may also be disadvantaged because of other factors, such as their environment; other people’s attitudes; poverty and social exclusion. However, these factors alone do not entitle them to be considered for Short Breaks services.

Each child and family will have different needs and the impact of the child’s disability needs to be considered against what would usually be expected for any child of the same age. Their family’s circumstances will also be different and so it is important to assess how their situation impacts upon their ability to lead an ordinary life within the community.

For more information please see these below:

• NEW Short Breaks Statement
• Short Breaks Assessment Pathway

• Halton Short Breaks Statement
• Short Breaks Services Guide
• DCS Referral checklist for professionals
• NEW Factsheet for parent/carers
• NEW Factsheet for professionals
• Parent Carers Needs Assessment Guidance
• Parent Carer Referral Form
• NEW Parent Carers Needs Assessment Factsheet
• Parent Carers Needs Assessment Form
• Short Breaks Assessment Pathway
• Short Breaks and Personal Budgets Guidance
• Short Breaks Allocation Document Guide
• Short Breaks Support Allocation Document
• Young Person’s Profile 0-12yrs
• Young Person’s Profile 13-17yrs

iCART is the integrated front door to children and families’ services it includes multi-agency staff from social care, early intervention, education, health and Police.

How to request Short Breaks?

Please see the referral process and information here on the Council’s iCART page

Details can be found via the following:

• Short Breaks Service Guide
• Leisure section for the latest activity flyers 
• Short Breaks Service Newsletters – see the boxes at the bottom of this page