Give Respite Care for Kids in Foster Care
Help kids in foster care by giving temporary respite care. If you’re ready to impact the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect but aren’t quite ready for the commitment to become a foster parent, becoming a respite provider might be just for you!
Parenting kids is difficult, especially if they have experienced trauma. We know children do best when in the care of a loving, long-term, stable family. But even the best of parents need occasional breaks. To support foster parents as they avoid burnout, we connect respite providers with families needing temporary relief.
Want to Become a Respite Care Provider?
To become a respite provider in Jackson County, Missouri contact Cornerstones of Care (855-778-5437) and ask to be “referred for respite licensure.” Once you have completed that step, they will provide you with information about respite care and next steps. If you need any help during this process, contact FosterAdopt Connect:
Even Foster Parents Need a Day Off!
Respite events or “Foster Parents Day Out” are events that give foster and adoptive parents a much needed break from their children and a chance for the kids to socialize with other children who have experienced similar situations as their own. After passing a simple background check, you can volunteer at respite events to interact and invest directly in children and help the events be a fun experience for kids!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is respite care in Missouri?
Who can qualify as a respite provider?
Respite providers are qualified, trained individuals who care for children on a temporary basis either in their own homes or in the homes of the families using respite care. It is very important that only qualified, well-trained caregivers whom families can trust with their children provide this service. The certification process required for respite providers helps assure this goal. To qualify, an individual must be at least 21 years old. The other requirements vary depending on whether the provider is an adoptive parent, a current foster parent, or has no previous association with the foster/adoptive systems. A respite provider doesn’t have to be married, be a parent, own his/her home, or have a large income. In other words, don’t assume there is something about your circumstances that will prevent you from becoming a respite provider. If you have questions about your eligibility, please ask us.
How long does respite care last?
Foster and adoptive families are allotted a certain number of respite units per child per year. The number of units depends on the child’s classification. They can divide those units up as they choose. The periods of care can last a day, a weekend, or a week. Respite providers are free to choose the length of the periods they provide.
Where is the care provided?
Care may be provided either at the respite provider’s home (out-of-home care) or at the foster/adoptive family’s home (in-home care). Respite care providers choose the type of care they would like to provide.
How is respite care scheduled?
I am a foster or adoptive parent in need of respite care. What do I do?
Do respite providers get to choose which children they provide care for and how often they provide care?
What benefits are given to respite providers and what support is available?
The state of Missouri, through the Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services, reimburses respite providers at a rate of $20 per day for foster children classified as traditional or behavioral, and $40 per day for children classified as career. All children in foster care are automatically eligible for paid respite care. However, in order for a provider to be paid to provide care to an adopted child, the child must have a respite subsidy written into his/her adoption contract. For foster children, the foster parent gives the respite provider a respite payment form. After the respite care is completed, the respite provider submits the payment form to Children’s Division, and Children’s Division sends a check directly to the respite provider. For adopted children, the rate (usually $20 per day) is written into the adoption contract. The adoptive parent pays the respite provider directly. The adoptive parent then submits a form to Children’s Division for reimbursement. Please note that FosterAdopt Connect’s respite program is a referral program only. Children’s Division is wholly responsible for payment to respite providers, and all questions regarding payment should first be addressed to Children’s Division.
