We have agreed proposals to improve short breaks support for disabled children and young people.
Short breaks provide opportunities for disabled children and young people to take part in activities, build independence and social skills, while giving families a break from caring responsibilities.
Cabinet Members this week were asked to endorse a new Devon Local Area Short Breaks Strategy for 2026 to 2030, alongside a new approach to commissioning services across the county, at its meeting today, Wednesday 11 March.
The strategy responds to feedback from children, young people and families, which highlights challenges with the current system.
These include limited choice, gaps in provision, inconsistent accessibility, and a heavy reliance on individual assessments and direct payments.
The new approach will mean more local activities that are open to more families, with extra support available when it’s needed.
More specialist short breaks will be delivered by approved providers, helping to make sure families get good‑quality support wherever they live in Devon.
We also plan to improve information and advice for families, so they can more easily understand what support is available and how to access it.
The changes would be introduced gradually over several years and would be delivered within our existing short breaks budget. No additional funding is being sought.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, lead Member for Children’s Service, said:
“This new strategy will ensure that we are moving towards delivery of a coherent, inclusive and sustainable short-breaks offer across the county.
“Our current model is dependent on direct payments, and is not consistent with delivering the choice, accessibility or reliability that families tell us they need.
“Families have been clear. They want more age-appropriate opportunities, better information, and more inclusive activities in their local communities.”
We will continue to work with families to co-produce the programme.