Shared Care Service

The shared care scheme provides the opportunity for both family and child to have a break. This can be for just a few hours or an overnight stay. This depends on both the needs of the child and their family and what the shared carer can offer.

Shared care plus

The shared care plus service is mainly for children with a higher level of need - complex medical need or autism/challenging behaviour. The carer can provide day-care and overnight care in the carers family home. The quantity of care will depend on the needs of the child and family and availability of the carer.

The carer’s homes are adapted with specialist manual handling and lifting equipment.

How are shared carers recruited?

Shared carers are assessed under the Fostering Regulations. A very rigorous assessment is conducted: police check; health check and character references are undertaken. Once the assessment is completed the prospective shared carer will attend the shared care panel where the assessment will be looked over by professionals.

How do I access the service?

A Social Worker from the Social Care Team will complete an “Assessment of Need” for the child and family to explore if Shared care will be a suitable option.

If you feel that you would benefit from Shared Care, you can speak to your Social Worker if you are already receiving a service from Social Care. Alternatively if you are new to Social Care you would need to contact Initial Assessment Team.