What is Respite Care?

All parents need time to rest and recharge. In those times, some parents can call a babysitter or have the kids visit other family members but for other parents, this isn’t always an option. This is where respite care can be a valuable resource to individuals and families who are playing a critical role in the healing and guidance of children in foster care.

There is a statewide shortage of respite care providers for children of all ages and in need of all levels of care, especially for older youth and sibling groups.

Respite care provides short-term aid, typically in the evenings or on weekends, for a child living with a foster, adoptive or kinship family. It’s a unique opportunity to bond with children in foster care by offering quality time and activities that help them continue to thrive.

Respite can be an opportunity for foster parents to focus on self-care or other life events, and it help reduce stress and tension. This short break helps maintain a healthy relationship between children and caregivers.

Become a KVC respite care provider! Contact us today.

How Respite Care Works

If you are approved to provide care, foster parents can reach out to you in times of need. You can provide a much-needed 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.

Providers will receive a stipend to cover the costs of providing this support. There is also family-to-family respite where foster parents help each other and work out respite amongst themselves. Respite care providers can create their own schedule and decide if placement works for them each time they are contacted.

We’re looking for respite care providers who are willing to:

• Protect and nurture children
• Work as a member of a care team
• Follow rules and guidelines
• Demonstrate positive and effective parenting skills
• Help with unexpected emotional, medical and/or behavioral challenges

For more information, complete this form. You can also check out this Respite Care Provider Handbook from the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Approval Process for Respite Providers

The first step in the approval process is to complete an approved respite training program, which KVC Missouri provides for free. While you are in training, a licensing specialist will help you complete the required paperwork and prepare you to become an approved provider.

The required paperwork includes background checking, various policies and gathering information about you to allow the licensing specialist to complete a residence study. Respite care applicants must be fingerprinted and have criminal checks in addition to other record checks before becoming a provider.

Learn more specifics about the approval process.

Learn more about respite care.

How to Become a Respite Care Provider

Providing respite care is a great way to support your community and can be a helpful place for you to start if you want to see if foster parenting is right for you.

Complete this form to learn more about becoming a respite care provider, and one of our team members will get in touch soon to answer your questions.