1. Respite for Foster Children- The Maryland Model
John Bertulis
Foster Parent Ombudsman
Arnold Eby
Foster Parent

2. Foster Care in Maryland (stats as of 6-30-2010)
24 jurisdictions (including Baltimore City)
8,013 children in out of home care
6,130 are placed in family homes (76.5%)
913 are in group homes (11.4%)
2,981 public foster homes
838 homes are restricted/kinship (28%)
Foster Care in Maryland (stats as of )

3. To understand the importance of respite care for children in out of home care
To learn about the successes and struggles of a State’s Foster Care Respite Policy
To get ideas on how to “Respite: Create It” in your own jurisdiction or state
Objectives

4. Respite for Children in Foster Care
Major supportive service
Prevents caregiver burnout
Cost effective way to preserve placements
Respite for Children in Foster Care

5. Maryland Foster Care Respite Model
Prior to 2005: barter system or informal respite
Foster parents voiced need for paid respite
Policy developed in 2005; revised in 2008
Each kinship and foster family may have 7 days of paid respite per reconsideration year
Extra days determined on a case by case basis
Maryland Foster Care Respite Model

6. Crisis/emergency (unplanned) respite for things like out of town emergencies or funerals
Planned respite for things like out of town weddings or just a needed break (at least 14 days notice)
$30.00 per night
Two Types of Respite

7. Someone the family identifies, person must be at least 21 years of age and have appropriate clearances
House must pass inspection
Alternative: Respite could be provided by an approved person in the home of the regular provider
Providers of Respite

8. Providers of Respite Already approved provider Win-win situation
* No pre-approval needed
* Good way for new providers “to get
their feet wet”
* Use vacant foster homes
Providers of Respite

9. Respite Preparation As much notice as possible
Tell the child they are going on a vacation, be sure they realize that they are not being punished
Share info about the family in advance
If possible, introduce child(ren) to respite provider in advance (maybe like a play day)
Pack them a special “comfort item”
Reassure child that you will be back to get them
Respite Preparation

10. Information about child (spelling of name, birth date, etc.)
Provider’s contact info, but also doctor, social worker, after hours number, etc.
Medication and administration instructions
Medical card(s) and medical consent form
List of daily routine, likes and dislikes, fears
Instructions for scheduled appointments
Respite “To Go” Kit

11. Respite Provider Try to meet the child(ren) in advance
Confirm respite dates and times in advance
Be mindful that these are children in foster care because of abuse and neglect
Try to keep a schedule/routine
Remember medication and scheduled appointments
Have fun, but don’t over do it
Respite Provider

12. A Foster Parent’s Testimony
Thoughts from a seasoned foster parent who has been there and done that
A Foster Parent’s Testimony

13. Maryland’s Respite Program Stalled
~ In Fiscal Year 2009: $700,000 was budgeted $ 50,000 was spent ~ In Fiscal Year 2010: $100,000 was budgeted $124,000 was spent
Maryland’s Respite Program Stalled

14. For years, foster parents were told to make the children feel a part of your family
Take the foster children with you wherever you go
Reluctance to use respite
Mindset of Providers

15. Education on Importance of Respite
Benefits to family: avoid burnout
Benefits to child(ren): preserve placement
Education on Importance of Respite

16. Another Problem in Maryland
There are often delays in respite payment to providers
Respite providers become disenchanted with doing respite
Foster parents/kinship providers get embarrassed when their provider is not paid and they become less likely to use respite
Another Problem in Maryland

17. Other Forms of Respite “Super Saturdays” Training opportunities
You can be creative
Other Forms of Respite

18. AdoptUsKids Mini Respite Grants
Maryland’s experience
AdoptUsKids Mini Respite Grants

19. Educate your foster parents about why respite is important
Get your foster parents’ input: Listen to what they want
Do a Respite Needs Assessment
Advocate for Foster Parent/Kinship Respite to your social service agency
Explore grant opportunities to help fund
Where To Go From Here

20. Any Questions/Input?

21. Enjoy the rest of your Conference!
“Respite: Create It”