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.
How Does It Work?
Any caregiver or professional can reach out for help. Comprehensive Systems Navigation cases routinely last one to two years. Navigators begin with an assessment of the child’s needs, including mental health, developmental delays, medical concerns, and placement/housing.
Ultimately, however, the family is the expert; therefore, the goals and service plan are co-created among the caregivers, youth, and our navigator. Throughout the case, the family is our partner. Not only do our navigators secure services for the youth, they also teach caregivers how to overcome barriers on their own.
Once the service plan has been achieved, we regularly follow up with the family to ensure they have all necessary tools and information. It is the best feeling when a caregiver calls with excitement, saying they were able to navigate systems themselves!
What Makes It Unique?
Every caregiver deserves time to rest. Respite care helps families maintain balance by offering trusted, short-term care that allows them to recharge. It supports long-term placement stability and gives children a chance to build trust with other caring adults.