Foster care respite example

Here is a general overview of how respite care may happen.
When possible, it’s great to have a friend or family member step in to provide respite when possible, to avoid having the child go to someone they don’t know. But of course, this isn’t always possible, especially for last-minute situations or for kids who have medical needs, for example.
Connecting with the current caregiver will be important to gather info. And having a quick chat with the child can be a good icebreaker and help with this transition. If a call can’t be arranged, you can send photos of you and your home to show them what to expect.
Remember, when the child is with you, it’s important to meet them where they are at. You may find that you are providing similar supports as you would with a new foster child who is moving in. Matching their tone/vibe, meeting them where they are at, offering choice and control, foreshadowing plans, etc., are all important parenting techniques to help them feel more at ease in a stranger’s home.
Do you provide respite care? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below! ⬇️
#fostercare #fosterparent #fosterparenting #respitecare #respite #fosterfamily #fosterfamilies #relativecare #kinshipcare #fosterchild #fosterkid #fosterbaby
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[@jennifertimberlake6522]

Hey Laura I have good news i would like to share with you and the group. My kids are about to be coming home any day now after 8 months of being in foster care. We are literally waiting on one last thing to come in that will hopefully be in by next week. You have been amazing for helping me understand what they are dealing with and without you i would have been scared to voice my opinions regarding concerns, their needs, preferences and such.

[@kristiharman2843]

Congratulations that’s so wonderful!

[@maritaandcats]

Congratulations!!

[@foster.parenting]

Amazing news!! Thank you for sharing with all of us. I am proud of you - I know the work you did these last 8 months has been incredibly difficult. I'm so glad to hear they will be coming home so very soon. Best wishes to you and your family in this next chapter!

[@chronicallyella1191]

Congratulations on getting your kids back and all the work you have done to get there!! 🤍

[@CLee288]

Congratulations, wishing you and your children happy days ahead!

[@exxtrasweettreats94]

My foster families would use respit as a way to pass me off and not have to say bye. Im so happy that foster parents like you exist ❤

[@foster.parenting]

That is horrible and not right - I am so sorry you weren't treated properly. Thank you for sharing your experience so others can learn and improve the care they provide.

[@feeltheyumyums]

I can see how saying bye could be hard, but there's absolutely no excuse for using respit that way. Those are ADULTS! If they thought THEY couldn't deal with the uncomfortable goodbye, how much harder is it for the kid?? I'm sorry Emily Ann that this is a part of your story. I hope you have much better parts to think back on 🩷

[@kellyriddell5014]

I've read so many accounts from former foster youth about not being informed when a transition was going to happen, just being put in a car and taken somewhere new with no foreshadowing. It's so bad for children because it makes them feel like they can never feel safe anywhere. How could you ever let your guard down if you weren't even sure where you would be tomorrow?

[@meganbessenbacher7107]

​@kellyriddell5014 yes! Also they can't help but internalize it. Going over what they may have done wrong, why they aren't lovable. It only takes a couple of forward thinking thoughts to see how that would be harmful.

[@feeltheyumyums]

I like that she's asks both the foster parent AND the kid some of the same questions :)

[@alli6791]

Laura is a great example of a very emotionally intelligent person. Life goals, right there, lol.

[@Raddiebaddie]

Respite foster care is exactly what my partner and i would like to do in the future. Thank you for these examples!

[@Loville]

I love that this is an option but I am so protective over my foster kids that I only trust my parents and my bestfriend but if I knew that all foster parents were like Laura I would definitely be using respite as an option

[@soonernikkib]

Me too! I can’t imagine taking them to a stranger’s house.

[@foster.parenting]

I am protective too and usually will get friends or family approved. that being said, not everyone has an opportunity for this so I always recommend interviewing first and getting to know other foster parents. I met several in my training and have used them for respite. That helped a lot because I am also super worried and nervous about it!

[@kimberlyjohnson5794]

My husband and I just got certified to do Respite. I’ve been watching these videos to get advice. Thank you so much for these! I’m hoping we can do fun things on the weekends that they will enjoy. I’m so nervous.

[@Lady.Fern.]

This is very helpful thank you ❤ the cherry sweater is a lovely cherry on top 😍

[@foster.parenting]

haha thanks! not my usual style but decided to mix it up :)

[@emilyadams9986]

But Laura, what happens if you take a child in for respite care, and by the end of it, they'd rather stay with you than go back to their regular foster home? Like, not necessarily because they're being abused there, but more because you and Chris are exceptional foster parents, and their regular foster parents might be just okay.

[@MaddoxNine]

It's the same as if a kid stays with their aunt/uncle for a weekend and then doesn't want to go home. It's normal, but they do still go back with their original placement Not to mention, they have a bond with their foster family. It's definitely in their best interest to maintain as much stability as possible

[@retromoonie]

That’s awesome that you do this

[@foster.parenting]

respite care is an important part of foster care! if people are not sure they can make a full commitment to fostering, respite care could be something that would work for them and their family!

[@Janne_Mai]

This is lovely. ❤

[@foster.parenting]

ty for watching!

[@jillbecker9535]

This is so helpful!!

[@foster.parenting]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@just_me45]

May you please make a video on a foster kid who either refuses to eat or one who eats as if they will never be able to again? Thank you!

[@TheCaitling]

I've seen some of her shorts that address food insecurity and don't quote me but I think she allows them to keep snacks in the bedroom and states that items in the pantry are always available to them and directly states that they will never ever be without food in the house

[@Sarahscopic]

Does anyone either know more about how Michigan works with respite care or just a national resource to look this up? I've been interested in respite care as I don't think I have the time/flexibility/capability to be a foster parent but I think I would be interested in this format. But my initial research into Michigan only shows respite provided for specifically kids/adults with disabilities as opposed to the foster care system.

[@CamdenKaneakaNeptunesdaughter]

May need to talk to a social worker. I dunno how it works, but it sounds like a social person is the best person to turn to

[@maureenp2248]

I think you would get in contact with your local foster care agency. Afaik respite care is just part of the foster care system and requires all the same paperwork, training, etc as being a regular foster parent.

[@user-iy4bd4on3k]

hello i am starting to become a respite care provider i would like to ask a questions 1. where did you go to know more information 2. what class did you take, also would you be Tasted ? 3.what are the things you need in your home to have the Green light 4. how much would they pay to help care for the child 5. where can i go to apply, and start the process

[@Steakisthedabesthes1]

Hi how are you

[@foster.parenting]

hi! glad it's friday! how are you?

[@Steakisthedabesthes1]

@@foster.parenting good

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Thank you so much for this