DISCUSSION:

Policy requires that a respite provider case file be maintained for those respite providers who have no other foster care license case file. There have been revisions to the case recording section of the Respite section. These revisions include:

• Clarification for whom a respite provider case file is created 
• Training documentation

Respite policy allows for licensed resource providers to receive 12 units of respite annually, and 14 units plus one weekend per month for licensed providers with an Elevated Needs Level B (career) Cooperative Agreement. The purpose of respite services is to stabilize the foster placement in the home.

Policy has been revised to clarify that the licensed resource provider receives their foster care maintenance only while the child is placed in the policy allowed respite care units.

If extenuating situations necessitate additional respite units, Regional Director or designee approval is required. Documentation of the approval must be maintained by attaching it to the Respite Unit Tracking Log, CD-113, and the Children's Services Integrated Payment System Invoice, CS-65.

It is the local staff’s responsibility to track the number of respite units utilized by the licensed resource parent. Tracking is done on the Respite Unit Tracking Log, CD-133.