{"id":69089,"date":"2026-03-11T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=69089"},"modified":"2026-03-13T14:29:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T14:29:36","slug":"council-approves-plans-improve-short-breaks-support-disabled-children-families-devon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/council-approves-plans-improve-short-breaks-support-disabled-children-families-devon\/","title":{"rendered":"Council approves plans to improve short breaks support for disabled children and families in Devon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We have agreed proposals to improve short breaks support for disabled children and young people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strategy responds to feedback from children, young people and families, which highlights challenges with the current system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These include limited choice, gaps in provision, inconsistent accessibility, and a heavy reliance on individual assessments and direct payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new approach will mean more local activities that are open to more families, with extra support available when it\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More specialist short breaks will be delivered by approved providers, helping to make sure families get good\u2011quality support wherever they live in Devon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Councillor Richard Jefferies, lead Member for Children\u2019s Service, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThis new strategy will ensure that we are moving towards delivery of a coherent, inclusive and sustainable short-breaks offer across the county.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur current model is dependent on direct payments, and is not consistent with delivering the choice, accessibility or reliability that families tell us they need.<\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies have been clear. They want more age-appropriate opportunities, better information, and more inclusive activities in their local communities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Social Services<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

We will continue to work with families to co-produce the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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