AdoptUSKids Respite Program

The AdoptUSKids Respite Program is currently in its fifth year of working to develop sustainable models of respite care for foster and adoptive parents.

In total, the program has awarded 115 mini grants of up to $5,000 to parent support groups and associations across the country who are partnering with local public agencies to start respite care programs in their area.

To be eligible for the program, a group or association must:

• Primarily serve families who have adopted or provide foster or kinship care to children from the child welfare system
• Be a support group or association partnering with a public agency for the respite program (letter of support required)
• Have tax exempt, 501(c)(3) status or be in the process of acquiring tax-exempt status
   

As part of our respite program, we have developed two publications about how parent support organizations and public agencies can partner to develop respite programs in their area.

• Creating and Sustaining Effective Respite Services: Lessons from the Field (PDF – 1MB): This guide is intended to help States, Tribes, and parent support organizations understand the value of respite care in achieving improved outcomes for parents and youth, and build their capacity to sustain such programs after time-limited grants have ended.
   
• Taking a Break: Creating Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Respite In your Community (PDF – 1.9MB) / En Español (PDF – 1.4 MB): This publication is a step-by-step manual for developing a respite program, including sample forms that groups can use in the day-to-day operation of their programs.
   

Learn more about the program grantees below and respite models being developed across the country. You can also contact us to learn more by emailing Respite@adoptuskids.org.