An innovative, family-based respite care scheme operated by the Brothers of Charity Services will see Waterford families accommodating children with intellectual disabilities.
The Homeshare programme aims to provide respite breaks for the families of children who have intellectual disabilities, as well as creating an enjoyable break for the child in a homely atmosphere.
The scheme also provides host families with a unique insight to the challenges facing children with disabilities and their families.
Since its introduction last year, the Brothers of Charity Services have already recruited, assessed and trained a small number of host families and are offering a limited number of respite placements - primarily at weekends - for children with intellectual disabilities aged up to 18 years and living within the Waterford community care area.
The needs of the child and his/her family are established before they are matched with host families. While not always possible to find a match, it is hoped that, as the number of host families rises, this will be increasingly possible. Applications are sought from families interested in this service.