What are Respite Care Services?

Respite Care Services give temporary relief to families that are providing day -to-day care to children who have developmental disabilities or severe emotional disturbances. The family can arrange Respite Care Services with a family-friend provider or a licensed foster care home. The amount of Respite Care Services provided is based on family need. Respite services include assessment, treatment planning which includes the respite allotment and types of respite services needed/requested.

Who can benefit from Respite Care Services?

Respite Services are available to families who have a child between birth and 18 years who has had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that results in functional impairment that interferes with the child's family, school, or community activities. Respite Services are also available for persons with a developmental disability. There is no age restriction on Respite Services for persons with a developmental disability.

How can Respite Care Services help a family?

Respite Care Services gives families a break from the intense needs of their child/children. It gives parents and guardians the opportunity for emotional freedom to nurture other marital, family, or social relationships, as well as to conduct out of home business. Respite Care Services offers this support to families as they continue to care for their child in the home.

How can you access Respite Care Services?

You may call (989) 895-2300 or 1-800 327-4693 for additional information about this program.

To request a service or make a referral, call the Access Alliance of Michigan (a division of Bay Arenac Behavioral Health) at 1-800-448-5498.