Many families want community based respite for their child and family. The family has a respite care worker who cares for their child on a regular basis. The worker is matched with the family and child to meet the needs of the child. During the respite time the worker may be caring for the child in the child's home or taking the child out into the community to participate in community based activities. These activities are a time when the child can develop new skills and relationships, have fun and participate in activities where they may need some support.
Respite workers are self employed. Families receive funds from FRS to pay the worker. The parent is responsible to provide the training to the worker to enable them to meet the specific needs of their child and to oversee the respite care provider. The Family Coordinator from FRS maintains support with the family and worker to provide support and resources.
The focus with respite care is to provide enjoyable, fun activities with the child and to provide care so that the parent can have a break. Respite care is typically a few hours each week. Some workers provide respite for more than one child, but we do not have workers care for two children together unless they are siblings. Most families would be developing respite plans on weekends or after school.
Family Respite Services provides community based respite for children with intellectual challenges and physical challenges. We also work in partnership with the local children's mental health agencies to provide respite for children with mental health challenges.
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