Targeted and specialist services

Targeted and specialist services provide short break opportunities suitable for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities with high, complex and multiple needs.

Parents and Carers can often refer direct and providers have their own eligibility criteria. Some services will usually require an assessment by the Children and Families Disability Team and/or Health's Children and Young People's Continuing Care.

Examples include

• holiday play schemes
• group based activities
• supported breaks
• specialist youth groups
• day care and overnight short breaks away from the child or young person's home
• overnight breaks in a residential setting or foster care
• care within the home and the local community through specialist providers.

Eligibility decisions are based on individual need, assessment and professional judgement, including to what extent the impairment affects a child or young person's life and the lives of those they live with and care for them.

As a guide it is anticipated that additional support will be available to children who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and who are eligible for a service from the Children and Families Disability Team and/or Health's Children & Young People's Continuing Care. .