What is Respite Care?

Respite Care is temporary care so parents or foster parents can have a needed break from the stresses of caring for a youth, have assistance in emergency situations, and help with scheduling conflicts.  This temporary care may be a day, a weekend or as long as a week or two.  

Respite Care is provided in the home of the Respite provider and the according to the Respite provider’s schedule and availability.

What are the Requirements to become a Respite Care provider?

Minimum Qualifications include:

• You must be a responsible and mature individual who is 18 year of age or older and at least 5 years older than any foster child being cared for
• You may be single, married or partnered
• Reside in a home or apartment that meets physical, safety, and environmental needs of the foster child as outlined in Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 56:  Foster Home for Children  
• Successful completion of a background check for all adult household members
• Be free of physical or mental conditions that would interfere with the ability to provide care to a foster child
• Work cooperatively with Department staff
• Have a willingness to promote normalcy for a foster child
• Have homeowner’s/renter’s and vehicle insurance
• The ability to maintain in confidence all personal information about a foster child and their family
• Have a bed for all household members, including foster children, in compliance with standards established by the State of Wisconsin
• All household members, including children, must participate in the In-home assessment and interviewing process
• Completion of the on-line pre-service training

If you are interested in becoming a Respite Care provider:  Please reach out to the Ozaukee County Foster Care Coordinator Kristine Kuehlmann at kkuehlmann@co.ozaukee.wi.us or 262-284-8205