What is respite care?
Respite is a short rest from hard work like parenting. We have someone care for children so you can take a break.
Our Respite Program
You can get free childcare if you are a resource parent caring for foster children ages 0 to 17.
You can get 34 hours of free respite care each month. If you want more than 34 hours, you must ask the Respite Program manager.
Benefits
Making sure you have a break is an essential part of keeping foster youth stable in their foster homes.
Respite care lets you:
- Return to the family refreshed.
- Reduce stress by being able to take care of things without children.
- Have time to relax.
- Maintain physical health by attending regular medical appointments.
- Maintain mental and emotional health by attending support groups.
How to get respite services
Contact us at CWSRespite.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.
More contacts
Peggy Ruefer: 858-285-7437
Natasha Garcia: 858-285-7438
Hiyab Tesfu: 619-768-8549
Oliver Cabana: 858-790-4466
Respite care providers
We must approve the respite care providers. You can then choose one of our approved providers to make sure they’re a good fit for your needs and the child. If you need help, we can find an approved provider for you.
Become an approved respite provider
If you are already an approved resource parent, you can be a respite provider.
If you are not an approved resource parent and want to be a respite provider, you need to apply.
Respite provider application (PDF).
Send your application to: CWSRespite.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Record your time
To get paid, you must submit your hours with the Respite Claim form.
