When selecting an individual to provide respite consider:

• Individuals who are familiar with the children in your home
• Individuals who are willing to complete the screening and training requirements
• Good communication skills
  • The respite provider and the resource parent should be able to discuss child related issues so that the respite time is successful. Information sharing and receiving is essential for the respite provider to know how the child is being parented.
• Individuals who demonstrate positive and effective parenting skills
• Understand loss, grief and attachment issues
  • Required training for respite providers includes information on these topics
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• Individuals who demonstrate ability to protect and nurture children
• Individuals who present to be flexible with their time and availability
  • Respite providers must be flexible and prepared for unexpected emotional, medical and/or behavioral problems with the children, of which the foster parent may not yet be aware
• Individuals who demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a professional team
• Individuals who demonstrate the ability to follow rules and guidelines
• Disclosure by the selected individual of their motivation for providing respite services
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  • Applicants for respite provider positions must be carefully screened about their motivations for providing respite. Some applicants may be interested in working with children in foster care because of their own personal experiences with foster care or with abusive or neglectful situations. While these experiences may sensitize the applicant to the trauma the children may be experiencing, they must be screened to ensure that they have processed any unresolved feelings. Potential providers need to understand that each child’s experience is unique and cannot be compared to their own.
• Individuals who demonstrate the ability to meet the developmental needs of the children
• Individuals who demonstrate the ability to cooperate with Children’s Division or private agency staff

Information resource parents may want to share with a provider:

• Sensitivities your child has to touch, teasing, sound, and light
• How your child best communicates with others
• Calming activities that soothe your child
• Past abuse experiences that may be triggered by specific activities; how to avoid such situations, and strategies for providers if your child becomes upset
• Your child’s fears
• How you respond to your child’s behaviors

Some questions respite providers may want to ask resource parents:

• What are four important things I should know about your child?
• Does your child have special routines and schedules?
• What are your child’s likes and dislikes?
• What are the expectations at bedtime? When is bedtime? Are there special routines? Does the child wake up, sleep walk, and wander at night? Does the child wet the bed? How do you handle these issues?
• Does your child require special food preparation or have any food allergies?
• Is your child safe alone?
• Does your child play well with other children?
• Can your child be outside? Will your child wander?

For best practice in using respite, remember these:

• Have a scheduled pre-placement visit whenever possible. This makes the respite more “comfortable” for everyone involved.
• Use the same respite provider whenever possible. Consistency will be best for the child.
• Give ample notice to your worker for approving respite and in helping you locate respite for you. Your worker can also assist you in locating a respite provider.
• When you have agreed to provide respite care—make it a commitment!
• Be Prepared!! Give to the Respite provider:
  •  All contact information (resource parent/workers)
  • Schedules for child and birth parent visits or appointments
  • Medications/allergies of child & any additional important info