RESPITE CARE

You Can Give a Family a Much Needed Break!

All parents face the daily stresses of raising their children. These stresses are particularly intense for parents and foster parents of children with special needs.

Therapeutic Respite pairs children having special needs (behavioral, emotional, or physical) with a specially trained family for regular visits. During the visits to the respite home, the child is provided a continuation of their therapeutic plan.

Simultaneously, the visits allow the parents of the child to recuperate from the physical and emotional demands that come from raising their child. This is also time they may spend to further develop the parenting skills that are vital in providing the best possible care for their special child.

Length of respite stays vary, but weekend respites are the most commonly requested. Even one weekend a month can help a child and a family!

If you are interesting in providing longer term care for a child, you can find out more about our Special Foster Care Program.

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INFORMATION ON RECEIVING RESPITE SERVICES

Program Details
The program serves biological, adoptive and foster families.

Special care is taken to match children with the most appropriate respite family.

Ongoing coordination with referring community agencies is provided.

Respite care gives the ongoing caregiver a needed break.

Respite care provides a therapeutic environment to children in a family setting.

Available on an $94.04 per diem basis (self-pay, FAPT funding, or other sources).

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RESPITE PARENT TRAINING AND BACKGROUND

Respite care providers receive the same training as therapeutic foster parents.

Families have culturally diverse backgrounds and live throughout northern Virginia.

Many respite parents have special skills and experience such as: nursing, special education, psychology, and childcare.

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For more information and to make referrals, please contact Maggie Wilkinson, Training and Placement Coordinator, at 703-219-2126 or mwilkinson@nvfs.org.