Quick answer:
Respite care—often called “short breaks” in the UK—means support that gives families a breather from caring, while giving children and young people a chance to do something fun, meet new people, or just have a change of scene. It’s not about taking you away from your family or punishing anyone. It’s about helping everyone cope better and feel stronger. If you’re a young person, a sibling, or a parent, this guide is for you.

Let’s be honest for a second.
If you’re reading this, you might be tired, stressed, or worried. Maybe you’re a young person who’s heard a social worker mention “respite” and you’re not sure what it means. Maybe you help care for a brother or sister and wonder if there’s any support for you. Or maybe you’re a parent who just needs a break. Whatever your situation, you deserve clear answers—not confusing words.

What Does It Mean When Someone Is in Respite Care?

When someone is “in respite care” or having a “short break,” it means they’re being looked after by someone else for a little while. This could be for a few hours, overnight, or a few days. The aim is to give everyone a chance to recharge.

What it’s NOT:

• It’s not being taken into care—your parents or carers still have responsibility for you.

• It’s not a sign you or your family have failed. Everyone needs a break sometimes.

• It’s not a punishment. It’s meant to be a positive experience for you.

• It’s not forever. Short breaks are just that—short.

What it IS:
Short breaks are there to help families stay strong and avoid reaching crisis point. They give parents and carers time to rest, catch up, or look after themselves or other children. For you, it’s a chance to try new things, make friends, and have fun. If you’re a young person, respite care is about giving you new experiences and your family a chance to recharge.

What Happens at Respite Care?

There’s no single “respite care” experience—it depends on what you and your family need. Sometimes, someone comes to your home to look after you or your sibling while your parent or carer gets a break. This could be a support worker, a play worker, or a sitting service so your parent can go out. You stay in your own space, but get to do something different.

Other times, you might go out to do activities in the community, like after-school or holiday clubs for children with extra needs, weekend clubs with swimming, crafts, or sports, or youth groups for teenagers. These are great ways to meet other young people, try new things, and have fun outside your home.

For some, respite means staying somewhere overnight—maybe with another family who’s trained to look after young people, at a residential centre, with a foster carer, or at a hospice if you have medical needs. A typical overnight might mean arriving after school, having dinner, doing activities, and going home the next day—like a mini adventure.

Do You Get 6 Weeks Free Respite Care?

This is a common question, but the answer is no—there’s no rule that everyone gets 6 weeks of free respite care. Some people think this because of the long summer holidays or stories from other families, but there’s no national promise of a set amount.

What you actually get depends on your local council and your family’s needs. Some families might receive a few hours a week, others might get overnight stays, and some may not get any support at all, even if they need it. It’s not fair, but it’s the reality in many areas.

If you’re confused about what’s available, it’s always worth asking your social worker or checking your council’s website for details.

Who Is Entitled to Respite Care?

Short breaks are mainly for children and young people with disabilities or extra needs. This can include:

• Learning disabilities

• Autism or ADHD

• Physical disabilities

• Sensory needs (like being deaf or blind)

• Health conditions needing medical care

• Mental health conditions

• Challenging behaviour

If your needs make life harder for you and your family, you might be entitled to support—even if you don’t think of yourself as “disabled.” Sometimes, families are surprised to find out they qualify.

To get respite care, you usually need:

• A referral (from a GP, teacher, social worker, or you can ask yourself)

• An assessment (a social worker talks to you and your family about what you need)

• A decision (the council tells you what support you can get)

• A plan (if you’re eligible, you get a plan for your short breaks)

How to Get Short Breaks: A Practical Guide

Getting support can feel confusing, but here’s a simple way to start:

1. Find your council’s Short Breaks Statement. Search “[your council] short breaks” online or ask a trusted adult to help.

2. Ask for an assessment. Contact the Disabled Children’s Team or Children with Disabilities Team, or ask your GP, teacher, or social worker to refer you.

3. Be honest in the assessment. Tell them what life is really like, not just the good bits. If things are tough, say so.

4. Know your options. You might get direct support (the council arranges it), direct payments (you arrange your own help), or a mix.

5. If it’s not working, speak up. If you can’t find a carer or the support isn’t enough, ask for help again or talk to your social worker.

For Young People: What Respite Means for You

Respite care isn’t about you being a problem or anyone giving up on you. It’s about making sure everyone in your family gets a chance to rest and recharge—including you.

You have a say in what happens. If you’re old enough, your social worker should ask what you’d like to do during short breaks, whether you’d prefer staying with a family or going to a group activity, and what would make you feel comfortable. If no one’s asked, it’s okay to speak up—your views matter.

Many young people find respite care is actually fun. You might:

• Make new friends who understand your life

• Try activities you wouldn’t normally do

• Have more independence than at home

• Build a relationship with another family or group

If you’re nervous, that’s normal. You can ask to visit first, bring something from home, or start with short visits before staying overnight.

For Siblings: You Matter Too

If you help care for your brother or sister, you might be a young carer—even if no one’s called you that. This could mean helping with their care, doing more chores than your friends, or missing out on things because of your family’s needs.

Support is out there for you too:

• Some short breaks are designed so siblings get time with their parents

• There are groups and activities just for young carers

• You can ask for help if you need a break or someone to talk to

It’s completely normal to have mixed feelings—love, frustration, guilt, or even anger. You’re not alone, and you deserve support as much as anyone else in your family.

The Reality: What Families Actually Experience

The truth is, the system isn’t perfect. Many families find it hard to get the support they need. Waiting lists can be long, and sometimes you have to ask more than once or push for help.

Finding the right carer can be tricky, too. If you’re struggling to use the support you’ve been offered, let your social worker know. They might be able to help you find someone or suggest other options.

Don’t give up if things aren’t working straight away. Keep asking questions and let people know what you need.