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A lack of resources prevents respite care schemes from providing adequate training or paying carers appropriately, according to a report launched during Share the Care Week.

The study into the care of children with complex health needs or challenging behaviour also says more money is needed to provide equipment for older children.

Poor investment stops short-break schemes publicising their service or recruiting new carers, says the study, which is supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The report also says short-break carers enjoy their work and are committed to the children they look after. But many carers feel they do not receive sufficient payment for what they do.

The skills needed by respite carers and the high expenses they incur are not reflected in the payments they receive, says the study.

Shared Care Network, a national charity supporting family-based short-break schemes throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland estimates that there are 5,000 disabled children waiting for a short-break carer to help them, which is half as many as actually receive the service at present.

Sue Mennear, development worker for the network, said local authorities should use cash from the Quality Protects programme or special carers grant to recruit more carers and invest in training. "There are far too many children waiting for this vital and popular service. Until schemes are funded properly these children and their families will go on waiting," she said.

The network has launched a campaign to recruit more respite carers. Local contributions to the campaign include an appeal for more people to join Coventry Council's respite care fostering scheme Breathing Space.

Wiltshire Council's Home from Home scheme helps disabled children enjoy outings to a range of activities from football matches to air shows.

In Cumbria the council has launched a shared care scheme to coincide with the national campaign.

Meanwhile, Carers National Association Scotland has published a financial guide for carers called Making Ends Meet, which has been funded by Scottish Gas. It is available from 0141 221 9141.

Committed to Caring from York Publishing Services on 01904 430033 or www.jrf.org.uk

Shared Care Network campaign from 0117 973 1142