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As a foster parent, you are responsible for a child at all times. However, there are going to be times when you need to do something that prevents you from watching him or her. Unlike your biological children, your parents may not be willing to watch your foster child even for a few hours. Respite foster care is temporary care for a foster child. It allows you to send your foster child to another home for a few hours or even days.

Why would you need respite foster care?

Woman smiling at foster child who is there for respite foster care

Woman smiling at the little girl.

Sometimes You Need a Break

You might just need a break. Fostering can be very challenging. By taking a few hours or even a day or two, you can get the break that you need so you are ready to come back refreshed and ready to parent.

Time to Reconnect

You may also need this time to reconnect with your partner. Parenting can be very hard on a couple. Add in a foster child (who may not be the easiest) and you could be making it worse. You need to be able to spend time together and reconnect, even if you just go out to eat once in a while.

Other Obligations

You may have other obligations that don’t allow you to parent as well as you need to. You may have volunteered to chaperone a trip that you can’t get out of (or take your child with you). Your own parent may need you to help him or her for a week or so and you need to focus on them. By setting up a respite foster care, you are able to get done what you need to, without worrying about your foster child.

Learn More About Respite Foster Care

There are going to be times when you need help as a foster parent. It can be very challenging and you just might need a break or a night out with your partner. Even if you have someone who might fill in, there are some states that require you to go through the respite foster care system instead. For this reason, you should make sure that you have someone set up so that you can take care of yourself and your family the best that you can.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in becoming a foster parent or would like to support our efforts.