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Our Programs

Respite Care

Respite care offers short-term support to foster, kinship, adoptive, and guardianship caregivers. They provide a safe, welcoming space for children while their caregivers take time to rest, recharge, or manage other responsibilities.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care may be planned in advance or arranged as needed. Whether it’s for a weekend, a school break, or just a few hours, the Coalition helps connect families with trained respite providers who understand the needs of children impacted by foster care and offer consistent, caring support in the caregiver’s absence.

The Coalition regularly hosts Respite Events, an opportunity for caregivers to drop their children off for a fun event while they get a much-deserved break. Details are sent out to caregivers via email when events are scheduled.

How Does It Work?

Respite care is requested whenever foster families need temporary support, whether for planned breaks, emergencies, child-specific care, or transitions. Its main goal is to support both the child’s stability and the foster family’s well-being.

Trained respite care providers understand the foster care system and the importance of respite in supporting families and children. They are familiar with trauma, attachment, and ways to provide comfort and stability during respite periods.

Scroll down to our frequently asked questions to learn more.

  • My brother and sister in law became licensed foster parents. I thought about becoming a foster parent myself, but I realized they needed my support. I decided to become a respite care provider.”
    – Respite care provider

Program Goals

  • Provide caregivers with space for rest and renewal
  • Ensure children experience consistent, affirming care even in their caregiver’s absence
  • Support stronger, more sustainable placements through community-based relief

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Coalition CareLine form at the bottom of this page to request respite care.

Respite care is requested whenever foster families need temporary support, whether for planned breaks, emergencies, child-specific care, or transitions. Its main goal is to support both the child’s stability and the foster family’s well-being.

Use the Coalition CareLine form at the bottom of this page to request respite care.

  • Planned respite: 1–2 weeks in advance (longer if specialized care is needed)
  • Emergency/short-notice respite: as soon as possible, recognizing availability may vary

Our Parents’ Day Out program provides caregivers with a much-deserved break while their children enjoy fun activities supervised by our staff and Foster Friends. We’ve visited locations such as Slick City, Grant’s Farm, and SkyZone. Details are sent out to caregivers via email when events are scheduled.

In Missouri, the basic respite care provider training required before someone can be approved to provide respite to foster families is called “Introduction to Missouri Foster and Respite Care Resource Provider Training” — this orientation‑level training is typically about 2 hours long. 

  • Overview of foster care and the role of respite providers
    Understanding the foster care system and the importance of respite in supporting families and children.
  • Safety and supervision
    Basic child safety, supervision expectations, and responding to emergencies.
  • Confidentiality and boundaries
    How to maintain privacy and appropriate relationships with children and families.
  • Supporting children emotionally
    Basic understanding of trauma, attachment, and ways to provide comfort and stability during respite periods.

Yes. In Missouri’s foster care system, there is ongoing training and a renewal process for respite providers, even after the initial training:

1. Recertification / Renewal Every Two Years

Once a respite care provider is approved, that approval must be renewed every two years through the Missouri Children’s Division. Part of this process includes routine requirements like updated background checks and fingerprinting every two years. 

 2. Access to Ongoing Training Options

Respite providers are encouraged to participate in additional foster care and child care trainings beyond the initial orientation. According to policy, all respite providers may attend regular foster parent training and other in-service training opportunities offered locally.

Respite providers mainly receive requests through:

  1. Children’s Division caseworkers coordinating care needs.
  2. Foster families requesting known and approved providers.
  3. Emergency notifications for short-term or unexpected support.

Providers are matched based on availability, approval level, and experience with the child’s needs, ensuring safe and supportive care.

Standard respite is typically a few hours to a full day, sometimes overnight, and is designed to give the foster parents a short-term break while ensuring continuity of care for the child. Respite is flexible and can be arranged regularly or as needed.

Contact the Coalition Careline

If you have an emergency, call 911.

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Please expect an initial response within 48 business hours.
Responses are provided during regular business hours: M-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you have any trouble submitting this form, please contact the Coalition at 314-367-8373 and leave your full name and phone number and someone will return your call.