Respite for ME

• Provides respite for at least one family.
• Acts in a professional manner when dealing with children and families.
• Respects the confidentiality of families and children at all times.
• Is reliable, exercising good judgment and gives children undivided attention.
• Returns phone calls promptly.
• Arrives on time to provide respite.
• Acts only as a Respite Provider, following parent's instructions and does not offer advice regarding school programs, therapies, or any aspect of the child's care.
• Contacts the Program Director with questions about the program including policy, procedures and billing.
• Promptly informs Respite Services of any changes in availability, address, phone number, or additional training documentation to be revised in the next register.
• Promptly informs Respite Services of additions to the household of anyone over 18 years, if respite care takes place in the provider's home.
• Always has a current Community CPR and Standard First Aid certification, and complies with certification requirements for maintaining certification and for re-certification.

• a Provider Information form
• two references,
• skills assessment
• DHHS, SBI, & DMV background checks,
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Non-invasive behavioral intervention training from a nationally recognized organization is recommended for individuals who wish to provide respite to children with significant behavioral needs.

• Sexual Exploitation of Minors
• Kidnapping and Criminal Restraint
• Offenses Against the Family
• Robbery
• Arson and Other Property Destruction
• Prostitution and Public Indecency
• Criminal Use of Explosive and Related Crimes
• Weapons
• Drugs
• Abduction
• Cruelty to Animals
• Incest
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Violation of Child Protection Act
• Rape and Carnal Knowledge
• Inhalation of Certain Vapors
• Treason

Background Check Guidelines

A. State Bureau of Identification

1. Any background check showing a Felony that is included in the above list will automatically result in denial of certification;
2. Any background check showing one or more other offenses (misdemeanors) within the last 10 years will require an additional statement of explanation from the potential provider;
3. Any background check showing more than two other offenses, even if older than 10 years, will require an additional statement of explanation from the potential provider;
4. Based on potential provider's statement of explanation, number of offenses, and age of offenses, certification will be based on Program Director's discretion.
5. If subject is a housemate of potential provider, the Director may determine that the provider can be certified, but be restricted from providing Respite in his/her home.
6. Potential provider may appeal denial of certification in writing, and must then submit two letters of reference which address the past offenses and current suitability to care for children.

B. Department of Motor Vehicles

1. Any background check showing an OUI within the last three years will result in an automatic denial of certification;
2. Any background check showing three (3) or more speeding offenses within the last three (3) years will require an additional statement of explanation;
3. Any background check showing more than one accident within the last three (3) years will require an additional statement of explanation;
4. Based on subject's statement of explanation, certification will be at Program Director's discretion.
5. Director may determine that a provider can be certified, but is restricted from transporting children.
6. Subject may appeal the denial of certification in writing.

C. Department of Health and Human Services

1. Any background check showing a substantiated case of abuse or neglect will result in automatic denial of certification, unless a subject also submits a letter from the Department of Health and Human Services outlining his/her current suitability to care for children;
2. Based on statement of explanation, number of allegations, and age of reports, certification will be based on Director's discretion.
3. If subject is a housemate of potential provider, the Director may determine that the provider can be certified, but is restricted from providing Respite in his/her home.
4. Subject may appeal denial of certification in writing.

D. HHS Office of Inspector General

1. Any background check showing that the potential provider has engaged in fraud will result in a denial of certification.
2. Subject may appeal denial of certification in writing.

Reservation of Rights: The Respite Program reserves the right to deny or revoke certification to individuals whose performance and/or personal behavior are inconsistent with those of agency expectations. The Respite Program reserves the right to refuse to enter into or continue any and all relations with certified providers at any time.

Re-certification - Respite Provider certification is valid for two years. In order to be re-certified the following criteria must be met:

1. Providers must be actively providing care to at least one family and have at least one positive evaluation.
2. Nine hours of advanced training for continuing education is required each year, and may come from the Respite Program or other venues providing services to children with special needs (ex. conference, employment, schools).
3. Current certification in CPR and First Aid,
4. Current satisfactory background checks.