The Respite Care Program is a strength-based program designed  to help insure that families can continue to reach success as strong, healthy family units.

Respite Care is not just babysitting. It is an opportunity for parents and children to receive mentoring  in parent-child relationships. Parents learn through the example of the mentors how to interact appropriately with their children. They also learn techniques that empower the family to succeed.

Respite Care Providers work with the children and teach them using educational toys and games. They take the children outside and give them  the opportunity to enjoy exercising and interacting with their siblings, other children, and adults providing them with social skills necessary for success.

Respite Care is offered to families selected by Tulare County Child Welfare case workers or Tulare County Licensed Foster Parents. The families must be participating in either Voluntary Family Maintenance (VFM), Family Maintenance (FM), or Tulare County Licensed Foster Parents.

The program provides child care in the home of the family. The duration and frequency of the respite care is at the discretion of the Unit Manager and the case worker.

The goal is to improve family functions so children receive appropriate care and families have the opportunity to stay intact.

Features:

Offered at no cost to families

Services offered 7 days a week 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m.

In-home care keeps children comfortable in their own surroundings

Workers are certified through The American Red Cross in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid

Complete background checks are completed on all respite workers

Workers provide age appropriate games, crafts, and encourage reading

Homework assistance is offered

Parents can receive respite care for any purpose necessary

Referrals are for 10 weeks and families can be re-referred with no break in service

What is Respite Care?

Parenting Network’s Respite Care Program is designed to provide parents with in-home child care. This respite is offered to allow parents to run errands, go to doctor appointments, business appointments, and attend court ordered classes.

Where is Respite Care provided?

Service is provided in the home of the family.

Who receives Respite Care?

 Families selected by the Tulare County Child Welfare Department who are participating in FM or VFM services, as well as selected Tulare County Licensed Foster Parents.

How are referrals made?

The individual case worker makes the referral for respite care by FAX to Parenting Network with approval of the unit manager. Foster parents are referred through Tulare County Licensing.

Why Respite Care?

The emphasis is on families who would benefit from the extra hand and who are in need of a “break”. Respite Care is flexible to the needs of the family’s schedule as much as possible.