Respite Care

Are you a Foster Parent in Need of Time Off?

Respite care provides you with a temporary break, whether it is to address an unexpected emergency, care for a family member or take a quick trip. Respite also is necessary for reducing caregiver stress and promoting the stability of child placements.

As a DCS foster parent, you are eligible for two monthly paid days off while an approved and safe person cares for your foster children.

How It Works

• Tell your Foster Parent Support worker of any respite plans for a custodial child ten (10) business days prior to placement need if requiring assistance in locating a respite home. You may give your worker notice via email or by telephone, and when possible, prior to the respite occurring.
• A custodial child’s overnight stay with friends or foster parent relatives is made at the discretion of the foster parent and with reliance upon the prudent parenting protocol.
•  If you arrange for respite care yourself, you are responsible for paying the caregiver.
• Any respite requests that exceed the built-in allowance will be considered supplemental respite days and will require pre-authorization from the Regional Administrator. Supplemental respite could include family death/medical emergency; or expedited foster home emergency. These instances must be discussed with the FPS team for regional approval.

If You Foster through a Contract Agency

• Contracted foster families, who have received respite through agencies, must adhere to the respite payment process outlined by their agency.
• Contract agencies may set the rules, rates, and limitations for respite, however, they too must receive permission for any respite that extends beyond 14 days.

Learn More

Feel free to review the state respite guidelines at protocol for Respite Care and other Events or call your Foster Parent Support worker.