Short breaks for children with disabilities

Short breaks fostering changes children’s lives, while supporting their families too. Short breaks offer the children’s (0 to 18 years old) primary caregivers a break from their daily routine. 

What is short breaks fostering? 

Short breaks carers offer both the child and their family invaluable support. You will help the child grow their independence, as they try new activities and meet new people. Plus, families will have time to spend 1:1 with other children.  

Short breaks fostering helps families continue providing excellent standards of care. 

What do short breaks foster carers earn? 

Essex County Council offers foster carers competitive fees and allowances. Qualifying Care Relief also means that most foster carers pay no income tax at all on their earnings. 

Short breaks foster carers receive an hourly rate and an overnight fee. Learn more about how fees and allowances for short breaks foster carers work.