Improving services 4 mins read Key statistics Short breaks services appear to have prevented disabled children entering the ‘looked after’ system (Impact of the short break programme, 2011). Parent carer forums have contributed to the transformation of the way in which services for disabled children are developed, delivered and evaluated (How parent participation leads to better outcomes, 2011). The number of parent carers involved in planning services in their area has increased to 1,710 across 146 local authority areas, up from 465 in September 2008 (Towards a more ordinary life, 2008-2011). Parent carer forums involvement in shaping health services, 2014 [PDF] Latest research into parent carer forums’ experiences of working with health services in England, including clinical commissioning groups, Healthwatch and health and wellbeing boards, to improve local health services. Key findings: 86 per cent of parent carer forums responding to the survey were actively involved in shaping health services. 71 per cent described their forum as either being in contact with, or working with, a clinical commissioning group. 35 per cent said they were fairly or very confident that Healthwatch would be helpful in improving services for disabled children. Related: Parent carer forum involvement in shaping health services, 2011 [PDF] Towards a more ordinary life… a report on the progress of parent carer participation and the development of short breaks, 2008-2011 [PDF] This report was produced in association with our partner Together For Disabled Children (TDC) and tracks the growth of parent participation in the UK from 2008 to 2011. Read more about how we work with parent carer forums to improve short breaks services. Key findings: The number of parent carers involved in planning services in their area has increased to 1,710 across 146 local authority areas, up from 465 in September 2008. 96 per cent of local areas report that there is evidence of improved working between parents and professionals. Over 105,000 more disabled children are receiving short breaks – an increase of 184 per cent since 2008. How parent participation and parent carer forums leads to better outcomes for disabled children, young people and their families, 2011 [PDF] This report was produced in association with our partner Together For Disabled Children (TDC). It outlines how parent carer participation helps local areas to involve and consult with parents and carers of disabled children. Key findings: Parent carer forums have contributed to the transformation of the way in which services for disabled children are developed, delivered and evaluated. Better and closer partnership working has reduced the often combative relationships between parent carers and their local authority. The continued development of parent participation is reliant on support, resources and committment from local authorities to their community of parent carers. Impact of the short break programme on the prevention of disabled children entering the ‘looked after’ system, 2011 [PDF] This report was produced in association with our partner Together For Disabled Children (TDC). This report sets out and assesses the impact of the short breaks programme on the prevention of disabled children and young people entering the ‘looked after’ system. Key findings: Short breaks services appear to have prevented disabled children entering the ‘looked after’ system. All participating local areas are focussing on early identification and support to prevent children and young people requiring ‘looked after’ placements. All local areas have developed a wide range of holiday provision, recognising it as the peak time for children to be at risk of needing a placement. Is the voice of the child having an impact on the development of short breaks for disabled children? 2010 [PDF] This report was produced in association with our partner Together For Disabled Children (TDC). A small scale survey explores whether the ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children: Short Breaks Programme’ has enabled effective participation of disabled children and young people to take place. Key findings: The Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) programme has been a “catalyst for change.” As a result of the Aiming High Short Breaks Programme, 100 per cent of the sample identified an increase in the number of disabled children involved in participation. 100 per cent of respondents said that “the voice of the child” had influenced their short breaks strategy.