When children are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, they enter the foster care system. For these children, foster care is often a temporary situation until they can be reunited with their families or placed for adoption. In the meantime, they live with foster families who provide them with a safe and loving home.
While most foster families do an amazing job of caring for these children, it can be challenging. Foster children may have behavioral issues or special needs that require extra attention. Finding the right resources to get the help they need can be challenging depending on where they live, the specialty needed, or the wait times.
That’s why respite care is so important. Respite care provides short-term relief for foster families. It can give them a much-needed break from the demands of caring for a foster, adoptive or kinship child. For more information visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/prevention-programs/respite/services/