What Is Respite?

Respite is time off for families who are caring for children with demanding special needs. During Respite, a trained care provider attends to the needs of the child, allowing the parents time to rest, recharge, and renew their energy. 

Respite is short term, usually lasting less than a full day and never lasting more than three weeks. Respite is not day care and cannot be used while parents are working.

In the State of Maine, only individuals holding a license from the Department of Human Services may care for a child in the provider's home for more than 23 continuous hours. However, care may last for more than 23 continuous hours in the child's home. 

Respite is a state-wide contracted service of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Respite Providers are paid for their services as independent contractors with funds made available by DHHS. The following agencies administrate the Respite Program for their respective regions. 

Region I

Region II

Region III

Woodfords Family Services

The Children's Center

UCP of Northeastern Maine

P.O. Box 1768

1 Alden Avenue

700 Mt. Hope Ave., Ste. 320

Portland, ME 04104

Augusta, ME 04330

Bangor, ME 04401

Phone: (207) 878-9663

Phone: (207) 626-3497

Phone: (207) 941-2952

Toll Free: (800) 439-0314

 

Toll Free: (877) 603-0030

Fax: (207) 878-2259

Fax: (207) 626-6211

Fax: (207) 941-2955

www.woodfordsfamilyservices.org

www.thechildrenscenter.ws

www.ucpofmaine.org

Counties served:

Counties served:

Counties served:

Cumberland

Androscoggin

Aroostook

York

Franklin

Hancock

 

Kennebec

Penobscot

 

Knox

Piscataquis

 

Lincoln

Washington

 

Oxford

 

 

Sagadahoc

 

 

Somerset

 

 

Waldo

 

 

Funding for this program provided by the Department of Health and Human Services

It is explicitly understood by all parties that the Provider or Vendor is an independent contractor only and not an employee of Woodfords, the Children’s Center, UCP or DHHS