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CommonGround2019 t1_jcymi7t wrote

Reply to comment by meeps1142 in LPT - You do not have to commit to being a foster parent to help kids in the system by mutilatedlama

Do you have contact information?

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HugeToaster t1_jcywed4 wrote

Find your local health and welfare office and ask.

Generally you need to take the same process as a foster parent, just only interested in respite. It varies by state though so definitely call the office and ask.

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RoadsterTracker t1_jcyx9nv wrote

Start the same way you would by being a foster parent, but tell them you are only interested in doing respite. It's a needed piece of every foster care experience, and they will work with you. You likely will still have to get a foster care license, and take all of the training required to do so, but in the end essentially are a babysitter for however much time you will commit.

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cgriswoldirl t1_jczhskx wrote

Respite care requires a background check but not full licensing, at least where I am at in CA. I have been a foster parent for 13 years, adopted three and fostered many more. Respite is a huge help to foster parents. Please sign up

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ace_at_none t1_jczkdyy wrote

How exactly does it work? Are you "assigned" a family and schedule or do you basically go on a babysitter list so foster parents can contact you when/if they need help?

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cgriswoldirl t1_jczsj04 wrote

You can go about it in two ways; you can be put on a list of available respite providers, or you can be a respite provider for an individual(s) or a family.

The 1st way you are available to who needs you, but you can still specify what age groups you can handle. No everyone can handle babies or teenagers and vice versa. My wife and I foster drug addicted and exposed kids from 0-5.

The second is often done by family friends or even other family members that want to help someone they know specifically. Obviously rules are different everywhere, making doing the right thing that much harder.

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ex-apple t1_jczf88d wrote

https://safe-families.org/

My wife and I did this and it was a really tough, great experience. It’s such a worthwhile sacrifice to make if you have the time and space.

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