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Respite Service: is planned, temporary relief for families who are caring for children with special needs. Respite is an important family preservation and support service and a vital part of the continuum of family services intended to reduce family stress, support family stability, prevent abuse and neglect, and minimize the need for out-of-home placements Family caregivers of children with special needs often experience a high level of stress given the additional demands of coping with the different behaviors and care for their child. They may also have more financial responsibilities due to the high cost of therapy, medical care, and special equipment. Respite allows family caregivers time for themselves or to complete errands, attend appointments, school activities or social events. Respite can occur in the child's home, in the providers’ home, or in the community Eligibility: Families of children up to age 18 with significant delays in two or more areas of developmental, behavioral and/or emotional diagnosis are eligible for Respite Care. The child must be living in his/her own home under the care of a parent or legal guardian. Children in the foster care system (i.e. where DHHS is the legal guardian of the children) are not eligible for Respite services. Appropriate documentation of special needs is required at the time of application. Currently, these children are eligible to receive 192 hours of respite a year. A co-payment for Respite Service may be assessed and is based on income level and family size Application: for a Respite Care Services Application, click here: Respite Care is funded through the Maine Department of Health & Human Services / Children’s Behavioral Health Services and is available to families in Respite Providers: care for children with special needs in the child’s home, in the provider’s home, or in the community. Parents may choose their Respite Provider select a Certified Respite Provider. All Respite Providers are independent contractors, must be 18 years or older, and not living in the home of the child they provide services for. To become a Certified Respite Provider, you must complete a State-mandated training during classes offered quarterly or through a self-study option. For more information please contact Joyce Daniello at 878-9663 x4162 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Certified Respite Providers: receive a State-mandated training which covers: the respite system, working with children with special needs, understanding children and youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities, behavior management, providing safe and effective care, language and communication skills, and CPR and First Aid. Certified Respite Providers have a Department of Health & Human Services background check, a State Bureau of Identification criminal background check, and a Department of Motor Vehicle driving record check done every 3 years. Certified Respite Providers are also covered by the State of
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WFS-RespiteApplication-FY08