Respite Foster Care for Foster Parents

Over 48,000 kids and teenagers in the US foster care system live in group homes, institutions, or other environments rather than with a family. If this fact inspires you to help them, we applaud you. We also want to ensure you know all the resources available to foster parents.

Taking care of foster children is a rewarding and exciting journey, but there are times when you'll want a break. Respite foster care is a valuable resource available to licensed families.

However, if you're new to foster care, you might not know much about the topic yet. That's why we've compiled this guide for new or aspiring foster parents. Read on to learn more about the subject and how this opportunity can help you become the best parent you can be.

What Is Respite Foster Care?

There are different types of foster care, including respite care. It refers to when one licensed foster family needs a break and relies on the temporary support of another foster family to watch over the child placed with them.

Respite care is a short-term solution, just long enough to provide a family with a break. The length of time can be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the situation.

Think of respite care as babysitting, except the babysitter is highly trained to provide the right type of care that foster children need.

There's nothing wrong with requiring a break as a parent. It's a type of self-care, and practicing self-care helps you improve your health, manage stress, and re-energize yourself.

Families may also need respite parents to watch their foster children if an emergency arises. For instance, they may need to travel out of state to visit a sick loved one.

The point is that these foster care options exist to make the parenting journey easier. Contact your child-placing agency if you want to learn more about the requirements or if you have any questions.

Who Benefits From Respite Care?

Everyone benefits from taking a break, especially parents. There's no doubt that parenting is a difficult journey and fostering provides unique challenges.

You're not a bad person if you need respite care for the children placed with your family. States offer this valuable resource so parents can take a break and recharge.

When you're constantly devoting so much of your time to your children, you may not spend enough time on yourself. This is a recipe for running out of steam. Parents that fall into this trap can start to lose sleep, become irritable, and even push others away.

Wanting some distance from parenting is completely normal. It gives you a chance to rest and focus on yourself for a few hours. It's also necessary when you have relationships, as it gives you time to reconnect with other family and friends.

Another reason you may need respite care is if an emergency arises. Maybe you have to leave to attend a funeral, and you need some time alone to grieve. Perhaps you got sick or injured and need time to sleep and recover.

Whatever the reason, respite care for foster parents exists to assist the families in helping the many foster youth in need.

How Much Do You Get Paid for Respite Foster Care?

Whether you're interested in providing this type of foster care or you want to learn more about respite families, you should know that no one becomes a foster parent for the money. That's true of respite foster care parents as well.

Respite foster care parents receive a certain rate, which varies by state. The rate is usually higher for children that need extra attention, have special medical demands, or demonstrate serious behavior issues.

For instance, respite providers may receive $4 per hour per child for up to eight hours. Again, payments are provided by the state, and the state sets the rates. You'll have to research your region's foster care rates to learn more.

Become a Respite Foster Care Provider

Are you interested in learning how to become a respite foster care provider? The process isn't too different from the licensing requirements for full-time foster families.

You must meet your state's basic eligibility requirements. That includes being a legal adult (the minimum age requirement may be 18, 21, or 25 depending on the state and the agency) and passing all necessary safety and health inspections.

Respite foster care parents must also attend pre-service and in-service training. The exact number of hours needed varies by state.

Like full-time foster parents, respite care providers must show that they're physically, mentally, and financially capable of caring for another child. They'll have to take a physical exam, clear background checks, and provide proof of employment.

Individuals interested in becoming temporary caregivers should be patient, understanding, and capable of providing lots of love. They must understand the obstacles they may face while fostering, even if it's only for a short time. Thankfully, you'll learn much of what you need to know in training.

If you meet your state's eligibility requirements, you can contact a local child-placing agency to learn more. Simply tell them you want to become a respite care provider, and they'll walk you through the process.

Learn More About Respite Foster Care

Respite foster care is a valuable resource available to foster families. It provides a much-needed break, whether that's for a few hours or a few weeks.

If you want to learn more about becoming a foster parent, fill out our online form. We'd be happy to connect you with a local foster care agency who can help you get started.