According to the Shared Care Network survey, 61 per cent of short-break schemes have reduced waiting lists by using contract carers instead of volunteers.
Speaking at a Parents For Children conference last week, Candy Smith, joint chief executive of the network, which promotes family-based breaks for disabled children, said: "Contract carers have a massive impact on unmet needs."
Jeanne Carlin, the disability consultant who oversaw the survey, found contract carers offer a tailored service for hard-to-place children, such as those with mobility problems or autism.
Contract carers, who work for local authorities or children's charities, receive an average income of between £14,000 and £15,000 a year to offer short breaks. A full-time role, their job includes working two weekends a month, and many have their homes adapted to help them cater for disabled children. They work with about six children each and offer care for about four or five nights a week.
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