Short term respite?

Esi

Hi, I am very new to this community and would like some advice please. I have a 15 year old son with Autism, and oppositional defiance disorder. I'm a single parent and my son is adopted. I would like to know if there are any short term respite accommodation available so I can have some breaks.

bg844

Do you receive social care support via your local authority?

Esi

I have been fighting for support from Social Services but they're saying they have nothing available.

L_Volunteer

It might also be worth looking at private companies in your local area @Esi. Another possibility is to contact any local autism charities to see what provisions they have available in your local area. If they do not provide respite services themselves, they might at least be aware of any respite services in your local area they could signpost or refer you to. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to help 

Esi

Thank you. I have contacted local Autism charities. They provide a whole range of therapy, play and day activities but there is no overnight respite support. I have looked at private companies also but they tend to provide support in the home. I need respite away from the home. I will keep looking.

L_Volunteer

That sounds frustrating @Esi - definitely a gap in provision there, unfortunately 

Esi

Yes there certainly seems to be. I may raise it with the Director of Children's Services or the Ombudsman.