To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the current level of respite services for families with children with special educational and physical needs.

Short Breaks and respite services are a critical part of the support for disabled children, young people and their families. There is a strong regional consensus that a pressing need exists to increase the range of residential and community based short breaks. Covid-19 has impacted the availability of respites for children’s services. In response, Trusts have occasionally temporarily re-purposed short break settings to accommodate Looked After Children.

The HSCB has developed a draft Regional Framework for Children’s Disability Services, which proposes a new care model for children with a disability in Northern Ireland. The draft framework outlines a model of practice based on: (i) early intervention; (ii) collaboration & multi-agency working; (iii) co-design & decision making with families; and (iv) person centred care.

My officials have engaged with HSCB colleagues on the draft Framework and will provide them with feedback in the coming weeks.