Respite support for carers

A further 1,000 carers of young people with a severe or profound disability will have access to respite support as part of a $6 million Federal Budget 2007-08 initiative.

The Minister for Community Services, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, today announced the Australian Government would expand the Respite Support for Carers of Young People with a Severe and Profound Disability Program.

‘The expansion of this program will provide immediate and short-term respite support to a further 1,000 carers in addition to the 5,000 carers already assisted by the program each year,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘The programme assists carers of people with a disability who are aged under 30 years and carers who are experiencing significant stress in caring for a person with a disability under 65 years of age.

‘These carers will be able to access overnight or weekend respite care to significantly reduce the stress of the carer.

‘From time to time, carers need to take a break from their role and by providing respite support they are able to focus on their needs.

‘Today’s announcement will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of families who have a younger family member with a severe or profound disability,’ Senator Scullion said.

Respite Support for Carers of Young People with Severe and Profound Disabilities – continuation and expansion of funding

Why is this important?

• The Australian Government is continuing and expanding the Respite Support for Carers of Young People with a Severe and Profound Disability Programme. This will provide immediate and short-term respite support to a further 1,000 carers in addition to the 5,000 carers previously assisted by the program each year. The program is being continued and expanded to address unmet demand for respite care.

Who will benefit?

• It will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of families who have a younger family member with a severe and profound disability. In particular it will benefit carers of people under 30 years and provide the opportunity to take a break.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• $6.0 million over four years.

What have we done in the past?

• The measure builds on the Expand Respite Support for Carers of Young People measure which was first announced in the 1999-2000 Federal Budget.
• The measure complements the Australian Government’s suite of respite programs to support primary carers. These include the Mental Health Respite Program, Home and Community Care and the National Respite for Carers Program.

When will the initiative conclude?

• This is an ongoing measure.