What can Bolton Shared Care do for you and your family?
It enables your son or daughter to enjoy new activities, experiences and opportunities.
It gives parents and families a chance to have a break.
It gives an opportunity to build friendships and relationships that are unique.
It gives you an opportunity to join training and social events organised by the scheme.
What support do we offer?
Support is offered after an assessment of your child's and your own needs. At present, in order to qualify for support, your child would have a severe and substantial impairment. Further details of the eligibility criteria are available on request.
Short break foster care
Some families need regular overnight care in order to get a meaningful break. This would be offered by an approved short break foster carer.
Sitting
Some families do not need their son or daughter to spend time away from home, but benefit from a regular night or day out. Bolton Shared Care has a number of sitters who can care for your child within your home.
Befriending
Lots of young disabled people want to get out and about with their friends and enjoy new opportunities and social activities. Bolton Shared Care has a number of volunteers who link up with young people on an individual or small group basis to pursue social and leisure activities.
Will it cost me anything?
All our carers receive expenses for the support they offer so you are not expected to pay them. You may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your child's activities, particularly for befriending.
How do I get support from the scheme?
To receive support from Bolton Shared Care, we have to be sure that we are the right scheme for you and that we can offer what your son or daughter needs. In order to do this, all young people are referred to us by a social care, health or education worker involved with you and your family. Referrals come to us following an assessment of your needs as carers and your child's needs.
What happens next?
After we have accepted a referral, we will contact you and arrange to get to know you and your child well enough to make a good match with a suitable carer. Although we work hard to make a good match, the final decision to go ahead is yours and your child's. We realise that it is essential that you like and trust the carer to whom your child is linked and that your child is happy. This may take some time and we will keep you informed of progress.
All links are supported by scheme workers and monitored and reviewed regularly. This is to make sure that everyone is happy with the arrangements and that we can make any changes necessary. Consultation with your son or daughter is essential for us to ensure they are happy with arrangements.
Want to know more?
In order to be referred to Bolton Shared Care, please contact your social worker or your key worker, to discuss short break care options. Alternatively, you can ring the Children with Disabilities Social Work Team directly on 01204 337100 (ask for the duty social worker) to discuss your needs and to request an assessment.
If you would like more information about Bolton Shared Care and would like an informal chat with a team member, you can ring the team on 01204 337108.