Respite for Foster Children- The Maryland Model

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

2. 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 6-30-2010)

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

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

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

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

18. Maryland’s experience AdoptUsKidsMini 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”