Respite Care
Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers. It could be an after-school program for kids with special needs that allows parents to work. Respite care is often offered so that parents can take a break — perhaps to go out for the evening.
Sometimes respite care is offered for a block of time — perhaps you need to travel to care for a family member. Finding appropriate child care might be difficult. Staying at a respite care home or facility could be an option.
According to the National Resource Center for CBCAP (Community Based Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grants) there are several models for respite care:
In-home respite care
Respite care at a school, hospital, agency, or in a provider's home
Respite care offered as a special event by the organizations on page 62
Camps, after-school programs, and other recreational programs
Respite care may be offered by individuals or by organizations such as The Arc, Easter Seals, and United Cerebral Palsy. For information on respite care in your state visit the ARCH National Respite Network website.
Essential
Have an emergency care plan for your child. Emergencies do not give you warning so that you can make child care arrangements. If possible, acquaint your child with the person who will provide the child care. It will make it easier on both of you should the unexpected arise.
Some families qualify for respite care vouchers through Medicaid or government programs. The vouchers enable the family to choose the respite care option and provider they desire. Sometimes families choose an agency's services. Other families choose an individual who may already know the child or who could be appropriately trained. The individual may offer respite care in her own home or in the child's home as both parties agree.
In 2006, the Lifespan Respite Care Act was passed to make respite services accessible to more families. In model programs, care is now available regardless of the age or disability of the individual.
