How to Find and Schedule Respite Foster Care

Foster parenting is a rewarding but demanding journey, requiring round-the-clock commitment. Respite care gives foster parents essential breaks, which promotes the well-being of both caregivers and the children they’re fostering. If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, read on to learn more about how respite care works.

What is respite care?

Respite care is temporarily caring for children in foster care to provide relief for their foster parents, usually for a few days at a time. This allows them to address personal matters, handle emergencies, or simply recharge. It reduces stress, prevents burnout, and promotes the stability of placements. 

There are different types of respite care: formal and informal. Formal respite care can take place through other foster parents, or you can find respite care within your natural support system, like trusted relatives and friends.

The Omni Family of Services team is passionate about steadfastly supporting foster parents along their journey. We intentionally create community among our foster parents so they can help support one another. For our families, this often includes providing respite care for each other.

Respite Care with an Approved Provider

As a foster parent, you can leave the children you’re fostering with an approved respite provider through your placement agency. Though it may feel difficult to leave them with someone you don’t know personally, these caregivers have special training and have passed all required background checks. You may even be able to form a relationship with them and use them more than once, which will make the transitions easier over time for the children and for you. Talk to your foster parent support worker to learn more about finding respite care with an approved provider. You can also coordinate with other foster parents in your area you know personally, since they are already approved and know how to parent children in foster care.

At Omni Family of Services, our foster parents provide a network of support for one another. Some foster parents don’t take permanent placements and only provide respite for other parents. For others, they enjoy fostering full-time placements and providing respite. Omni works to match families and children who may enjoy weekends or respite time together. This type of respite also allows children in foster care to connect with one another and build relationships with other foster parents, and it helps parents build a community of support. 

Respite Care with Someone You Know

Another option for respite care is to leave your child with someone you know and trust, like a close friend, relative, or experienced babysitter. If you go this route, you’ll need to schedule this yourself (and pay the sitter yourself, if applicable).

Be sure to use caution and good judgment when selecting a caregiver. If this person has never cared for a child in foster care, it’s a good idea to have a conversation beforehand, reminding them that the child has experienced trauma and sharing how to appropriately handle any challenging behaviors that might arise.

It’s important to note that for longer stays, some states, like Tennessee, require the caregiver to pass a criminal background check if the stay exceeds 48 hours. If you decide to use someone in your natural support system for childcare, let your caseworker know. 

Scheduling Respite Care

When scheduling formal respite care, involve your caseworker or agency early. States and agencies have different requirements, but you’ll likely need to give advance notice for respite care lasting longer than 48 hours, especially if you need help finding a respite home. Tennessee, for example, requires a minimum notice of 10 business days. 

If you need more respite care than your state’s regular allowance, which is usually a few days per month, you may need pre-authorization from your placement agency. Situations like family death or medical emergencies might qualify. Reach out to your Foster Parent Support Worker as soon as possible for assistance.

When you foster with Omni and need respite care outside of your own natural support system, we handle all the scheduling for you. Simply reach out to your Foster Parent Support Worker and we can help.

Get Help with Respite Care from Omni Family of Services

Respite care is crucial for foster parents, ensuring their wellbeing and helping maintain stability for the children in your care. By understanding your state’s guidelines and using available resources, you can effectively schedule respite care. Always communicate with your Foster Parent Support Worker and plan ahead.

For more information, visit your state’s child welfare agency or placement agency website. When you become a foster parent with Omni Family of Services, we are here to support you every step of the way, including help finding and coordinating respite care. To learn more about fostering with us, click here.