Children's Respite Service

In June 2007, Burnett Respite Services Inc opened a Children's Respite House adjacent to the General Respite House, in North Bundaberg.  This facility accommodates children aged from birth through to approximately 18 years of age, however the reality is that nearly all of those accessing this facility are under 14 years of age.

(Please see the General Respite Section of this website for information on services for those aged 18  years and over).

The children's facility has three bedrooms, one of which can hold two cots, another with two beds and also, a single bedroom. We also have a foldout bed in the loung for emergencies.  This will allows for co-locating siblings in the same room, where this is appropriate, and providing a continuation of their normal home situation. A general limit of four children per respite booking is maintained within the Children's Respite House, with all bookings taking into account the age of the children being cared for and their level of disability.  This has been put in place due to the high levels of support both medically and behaviourally required in the house.

While in respite, children have access to a range of activities including outdoor sports and games, arts and crafts, swimming (in the heated pool located at the adjacent General Respite Facility), computer games, playstation and television / dvds.  All attempts are made to ensure the house replicates the general home situation.  This includes the provision of home-cooked meals, regular bedtimes, maintenance of routines (including schooling, daycare, and homework), and support of any behaviour plans in place at home. 

All staff working in the Children's Respite House are chosen for that environment based on their level of experience working with children; their ability to work well with that age group (including their ability to manage challenging behaviours); and their ability to be creative and flexible in their approach to work, so as to ensure that the respite experience is a positive one for both the child and the family. 

Should you be interested in accessing the Children's Respite House, or just wish a little more information, please use the Contact link to the left of the page and our service manager will respond to your enquiry . Otherwise, feel free to contact us to find out more about this service, or to arrange a visit.