what is respite carer- edited part 3 edition

Respite Care is care provided to a foster child for a short period of time by someone other than their foster family. During this time the foster parents are temporarily relieved of their daily parental responsibilities for the foster child in order to rest and refresh themselves. Usually the care would be limited from several hours to several days or a weekend. With periodic time-out, foster parents are better able to carry out the difficult tasks required of caring for children and youth with special needs.

While respite care is designed principally to provide rest and relief for the foster parents, the foster child also benefits. Also it also means that a parent can ring the department and require some respite due to difrrent reasons..

A temporary change of caregiver gives the child/youth an opportunity to build new healthy relationships and to experience a bit of independence. Quality respite care can nurture the youth's /childs sense of trust and stability through contact with additional stable and caring adults and their families.

Most respite care is provided in the home of an approved Respite Care Provider. However, in some instances it may be more appropriate to provide care in the foster family's home.

Respite Care allows interested individuals and/or couples to provide care for children/youth who have come from abuse, neglect or other family dysfunction, without making the 24 hour/7 days a week commitment 

To qualify as a Respite Care Provider an individual must be 21 years of age, undergo an orientation process including a home visit, pass a criminal background check, be CPR/1st Aid certified, and attend  6 weeks of training and ongoing training after being approved.. The training will emphasize health and safety, and the care of children/youth who may have emotional, physical or behavioral problems. If you are interested or want more information, please contact your nearest department in your state.