DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce Respite policy revision, Respite training, and the Respite information pamphlet. The revisions and new materials are a result of recommendations submitted by three Recruitment and Retention Task Force work groups.

Respite care is the provision of periodic and/or intermittent, temporary substitute care of children who are in the care and custody of the Children’s Division (CD), placed in a licensed resource home (foster, relative or kinship, emergency). The respite plan should serve equally the needs of both the foster youth and the foster caregivers. Using respite is important to reduce placement disruptions and to support safer and healthier homes.

Missouri Respite Provider Care Training is required before approving a respite vendor to provide services. The training is available on the Internet. The training may be completed self-taught or in an instructor led classroom setting. All new resource provider applicants must complete the Missouri Respite Provider Care Training prior to being referred to a STARS pre-service training class. The training will be credited as an inservice training once the vendor is opened and approved to provide services. Relative and Kinship applicants are not required to complete the respite training prior to licensure. All currently licensed or approved resource parents may complete the respite training for in-service training credit.

The new respite pamphlet may be printed from Children’s Division E-forms. Ample space on the back is provided to enter contact information. The QR bar code located on the back directs the user to Children’s Division Respite policy.

Two new payment codes will be activated in FACES after March 1, 2014. The new payment codes are for entering the partial payment for the new half unit respite as described in the policy revision, Section 4 Chapter 17 subsection 6.