Short break carers case study
Jessica and Pete
Jessica and her husband, Pete, had considered becoming carers but were unsure as to whether they would be able to since they both worked full time.
They spoke to Barnardo’s and realised that they could become short break carers as this would allow them to continue working.
Barnardo’s worked with Jessica and Pete to ensure that they were matched to a child whose needs they could meet. This child was Billy. Billy had autism, and his mum often struggled to take him out.
Jessica and Pete cared for Billy on weekends and during school holidays, with the support of Barnardo’s. They introduced him to the local park and swimming pool, and took him to the zoo which involved an overnight stay at a hotel – something he would never have been able to do when they first met him.
Billy grew in confidence while he was with Jessica and Pete, and they came to love him as he had become a part of the family.
Billy had to eventually move on, but Jessica and Pete’s experience had been so positive that they decided to care for another child. This is when they met Nicky. Nicky was a baby who’d had chronic health problems.
Although caring for Nicky seemed daunting at first, Jessica and Pete learned to care for him properly, supported by Barnardo’s.
Almost three years on, Jessica and Pete have had their own daughter and still love caring for Nicky every other weekend. Nicky has become like an older brother to Rachel – he absolutely adores her and has become very much a part of the family.
'I’d really recommend short break fostering to people. It really does help families who are caring for a disabled child full time. If there are other siblings in the family, it gives them a break and allows them to do things with their parents they might not be able to do otherwise.' - Jessica.