Who is eligible for Respite Care?

Any family having a child or adult family member who has a developmental disability, a developmental delay (children only), a serious emotional disturbance, a severe and persistent mental illness, a chronic medical condition (children only), a traumatic brain injury, or a child they have adopted may be considered for respite care services.

• Respite care is available to eligible families regardless of income.
• There is no age limit, however, the child or adult must live with a parent or family member.
• The child or adult's diagnosis and source of the diagnosis must be noted on the application form. Documentation of the diagnosis must accompany the application form.

A copy of any document containing the diagnosis and name of the physician or psychologist issuing the diagnosis should be sufficient for children or adults with a developmental disability, developmental delay, or chronic medical condition. The Department does not need a complete copy of these reports - just the portion containing the diagnosis.

If the child has a serious emotional disturbance or the adult has a severe and persistent mental illness a summary evaluation form available from the Department of Human Services should be completed and returned with the application.

The Department of Human Services will endeavor to ensure that all eligible families can participate in the respite program.

APPEAL PROCESS:

Any family who is denied respite care from the Department of Human Services may appeal by writing the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.