Respite Care is a temporary, short-term placement for children in foster care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does respite care last?
Children can be in a respite care placement for no longer than thirty days. Often, respite care placements may only last a few nights. An average respite care placement may last as long twelve days. It all depends on the reason for the placement. The child may be in respite care if they are brought into care in an emergency, in which case respite care would only last until an appropriate, long-term placement is identified. A resource family may request respite care if they are temporarily unable to care for the child, in which case, the placement would last until the resource parent is able to resume their care for the child.
What is required to provide respite care?
Requirements are similar to becoming a foster parent. You will need FBI Background checks and child abuse clearances, a home inspection provided by our agency, and several trainings. Each child must have their own bed, and children over the age of five can only share a room with another child of the same gender.
How is respite care different from traditional fostering?
Respite care is short-term, whereas traditional foster care placements can be indefinite. If you are opening your home for emergency placements, there may not be a lot that is known about the child when they are coming into care. Other than the duration of care, respite care and traditional foster care have more similarities than they do differences. Caretakers are still encouraged to remain in touch with youth when possible. Children do best with more supportive adults in their lives.
Can I transition from respite care to traditional foster care?
Yes! There may be additional training required, but Adoption Connection, PA, would love to help you acquire everything you need should you desire to take on long-term, traditional foster care placements!
Please fill out the form below to begin your foster care journey today!