Children's Disability Short Breaks (Highland)

The importance of recognising the family as the critical infrastructure for the wellbeing and development of children in society is at the heart of the Families 1st strategy. A happy life for children involves a loving family within a broader system of friendships, community networks and universal services. Families will get the right help, at the right time, by the right people. Families 1st is set within the national policy landscape of UN Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC), The Promise, underpinned by strong Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) roots in Highland. Support from out with the family network should be available when needed for as long as it is needed. Section 23 of The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 introduced a legal framework for assessment, services and support to children with disabilities, children affected by disability and their families. The Act states that "Services for these children should be designed to minimise the adverse effects of disability and to enable them to lead lives which are as normal as possible. Specific provisions relating to children with or affected by disability do not stand alone". The service being tendered is Short Break Care within the family home to include Waking Night Support, Sleeping Night and Day Support. Support to and from activities within the community. Help to support/maintain and/or establish/implement routine. Meet any additional specific requirements of the Child's Individual Action Plan as per their Child's Plan.