BUTLER COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES
POLICY NO: 4.6 / SUBJECT: RESPITE CARE FOR CHILDREN IN CUSTODYEFFECTIVE DATE: 9/30/2002
REVISION DATE: 3/28/2006,12/07
REVIEW DATE: 3/22/2005, 3/28/2006, 12/07, 9/09
PURPOSE: This policy ensures that appropriate BCCS staff approve the provision of respite services to foster parents.
4.6 RESPITE CARE FOR CHILDREN IN CUSTODY
The agency encourages foster parents to take advantage of respite care. This is an opportunity for foster parents to get temporary relief from sometimes stressful placements without disrupting the placement of a child.
1. BCCS Foster Homes: The foster parent may contact their foster care specialist or their ongoing worker to request respite. If they contact the ongoing worker, that worker must notify the foster care specialist.
2. The foster care specialist will arrange the respite care placement. The foster care specialist will complete the Respite Home Checklist and Approval. The foster care supervisor must approve the respite placement. Respite care placements must be given the same consideration as other placements regarding family dynamics in the proposed respite, number of children, behaviors of children etc.
3. Network Foster Homes: Only licensed substitute caregivers will be used as respite providers for BCCS children. An exception may be made if the child is to be provided respite care by a relative or friend of the caregiver with whom the child has developed a bond. All respite care placements must be approved through our agency.
4. When a network contacts BCCS wanting to place a child in respite, the network will be required to complete the respite home checklist and approval and send it to the Butler County foster care unit. The Butler county foster care unit will pass this on to the worker.
5. The foster care supervisor or his/her designee must approve the respite care placement. Respite care placements must be given the same consideration as other placements regarding family dynamics in the proposed respite home, number of children, behaviors of children, etc.
6. Emergency Respite Care: Emergency respite care after normal business hours must be approved by a BCCS supervisor. The supervisor may complete the respite home checklist over the phone and/or the network agency can fax the checklist to the agency on the next business day. The after hours supervisor must notify the worker the next business day.
Approval Date:
Jeff Centers, Executive Director
10/28/2009
RESPITE HOME CHECKLIST AND APPROVAL
Attention: BCCS Foster Care Unit Fax: 513-887-4260
Date: BCCS Worker:
Network: Worker:
Phone Number: Fax Number:
Dates Respite Needed:
Child/Children
Name:
Current Caregiver:
Respite Caregiver:
Is the respite caregiver licensed? Have there been any rules violations? Explain:
______
______
What is their relationship to the child/children?
Are there other children in the respite home?
How many? Ages?
Are any of the other children sexual offenders?
Do any of the other children exhibit aggressive behaviors?
Will the respite care provider be providing the supervision the entire length of time the child will be in the home?
If not, please explain: ______
Approval for respite placement: Yes No
BCCS Foster Care Supervisor
4.6 Respite Care for Page 3 of 3
Children in Custody