© British Association of Social Workers
Patterns of Provision in Respite Care and the Children Act
Carol Robinson works at the Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol
Kirsten Stalker at the Social Work Research Centre, University of Stirling.
Summary
This article presents the findings of a three-year study into respite care services to disabled children and discusses these in the light of the 1989 Children Act. The aims and methods of the research are first outlined and the various services included in the study are described.
Access to services was found to be uneven, with families from low socio-economic groups and from black and ethnic minority communities apparently having less choice. The characteristics of users are identified: some of these varied according to type of facility used or amount to care received.
Agency records and registers were often found to be inaccurate: the Children Act will require authorities to maintain updated registers. New powers to charge for services may create further barriers to access although requirements to take account of children's racial and cultural background should extend it. The Act will help authorities regulate the amount of respite care children receive and introduces certain safeguards. Its emphasis on consulting young people is to be welcomed. Overall, the new legislation has the potential to improve many aspects of respite care; its ability to do so will depend on having adequate resources.
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