Become a Respite Care Provider

Support Foster Families by Providing Short-Term Relief

You can support foster families in your community by becoming a respite care provider. This is a great way to participate in foster care ministry in mid-Missouri.

Coyote Hill Respite provider taking care of children in foster care. They pose to take a selfie in the car.

What is respite care?

Respite care provides a short-term break for foster parents, as respite providers provide temporary care for children in foster care or adoptive children. This can take place for a few hours and can last up to a few days.

Respite care allows foster parents to take time to attend to their own needs. They can utilize respite to take a break, relax and reduce stress, or deal with a personal emergency.

This helps prevent foster parent burnout, increases foster parent retention, and helps sustain more safe homes for children in foster care. It also helps children in foster care build trust with safe adults while developing self-confidence and social skills.

How can I become a respite provider?

Respite providers welcome a child in foster care in their home for an evening, an afternoon, or for the weekend. They regularly give foster parents a necessary break to take care of their own needs. To become a respite provider, you need to attend one two-hour training, CPR and AED training, and complete home visits with a licensing worker.

If you do not want to be a licensed respite provider, you can also volunteer at one of our respite events, which happen quarterly in each of our areas.

What are qualities of a good respite parent?

  • At least 21 years old
  • Patience
  • Flexibility
  • Communication skills
  • Strong parenting skills
  • Understanding of attachment issues and trauma
  • Ability to address developmental needs of children

Email Amy Kingery at amy@coyotehill.org for more information. You can also view upcoming respite care provider trainings here.

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