Respite for ME

Receiving Respite Services is easy. The process is as follows:

1. The referral: Parents or professionals contact The Respite Program for program information and applications. The Program Director determines if the family is eligible for Respite Care after the application process is completed. Each family receives an allocation of hours for the current fiscal year. The Respite Program approves bills and issues payment to providers for services, eliminating out-of-pocket expense to families. Each agency shares information with families about The Respite Program and keeps family records. The Programs also distribute registers of certified providers to parents and tracks expenditures for respite.


2. Provider training: The Respite Program schedules and sponsors training as needed each year in order to establish a register of trained and available individuals to provide Respite to eligible families. Advanced Training for certified providers is provided on an ongoing basis as needed to assist individuals in gaining additional training necessary for re-certification and to increase knowledge of issues and techniques. Training for certification is also available in an on-line and self-study format.


3. The coordinating process: The Respite Program provides families with a register of certified respite providers. The parent contacts the provider. If the provider meets the parent's approval, the parent may begin scheduling respite. The parent may discontinue services at any time. Parents may contact the Program Director with specific concerns about the quality of services. Parents may also choose to use a neighbor, friend or family member who does not live in the child's home as a non-certified Respite provider.