CA encourages foster parents and relative caregivers to plan respite well in advance, whenever possible. If you are planning to allow someone else to care for your foster child under the Prudent Parent Law, you do not need to provide notice to the child’s caseworker if your time away is less than 72 hours. A courtesy notification to the caseworker of your plan is always appreciated.
Here are some helpful tips to help you request respite and obtain a quicker reimbursement:
- At least two (2) weeks before you need respite, contact the placement coordinator and the child’s caseworker by email, phone or in person to make the request (email is most effective).
- If you have a pre-approved provider, you still must submit a request for respite, unless you are arranging care under 72 hours through the Prudent Parent Law.
- Written information should include:
- Your name and contact information.
- Beginning and ending dates and times respite is needed.
- Respite provider’s name and contact information.
- Location respite will be provided.
- Basic information on the child’s needs, and
- Information on who should receive the billing.
- Last minute reminders are helpful:
- Confirm with the respite provider details of the respite plan, including when and where the child will be picked-up.
- If a transporter is being used, obtain and include his or her phone number.
- Send an e-mail to the placement coordinator/child’s caseworker.
- Notify the child’s school/daycare, if needed, with details of the respite plan and provider’s name and contact info.