All parents need time to rest and recharge. Respite care provides parents or foster parents with short breaks while another adult acts as a temporary caregiver. Research consistently shows that respite care is an essential support service that helps prevent burnout and helps you continue giving your best to the children or teens in your care.

Respite Care For Foster, Adoptive or Kinship Families 

Respite care provides short-term aid, typically in the evenings or on weekends, for a child living with a foster, adoptive or kinship family. Respite can be an opportunity for foster parents to focus on self-care or other life events, and it helps reduce stress and tension. This short break helps maintain a healthy relationship between children and caregivers.

Become a Respite Caregiver

Families, couples and individuals can go through the process of becoming licensed to provide respite care. Respite caregivers have a unique opportunity to bond with children and teens in foster care by offering quality time and activities that help them continue to thrive.

If you are approved to provide care, foster parents can reach out to you in times of need. You can provide a break to a licensed foster or adoptive parent daily, overnight or on a weekly basis. This care may be planned or needed in emergency situations.

Those who are passionate about working with children and families in the community would make fanatic respite caregivers. Experience being a parent or full-time caregiver is not required.

*If you’re a Kansas resident you can provide care for youth and families who are not involved with foster care, but are experiencing significant mental health or behavioral challenges through through KVC Kansas’ SED Respite Program. Current and prospective foster parents are eligible to become SED Waiver respite providers. 

Learn more about becoming a respite caregiver in these states:

Additional Resources: 

• How Respite Care Can Help Empower Foster Parents

• Supporting Children’s Mental Health Through Community SED Respite Care