Respite Services

Respite services provide periodic support and relief to the primary caregiver(s) from the responsibility and stress of caring for children ages three to 21 with mental health, developmental disabilities or substance use/addiction service needs and for adults 21 and older with developmental disabilities. Persons receiving this service typically live in a non-licensed setting with non-paid caregiver(s). The following lists licensed exceptions to the residential setting: 1) Family Foster Care, 2) Level I Family Based Residential Treatment, 3) Level II Family Based Residential Treatment and 4) Alternative Family Living, according to the limits indicated in utilization management criteria. This service enables the primary caregiver(s) to meet or participate in planned or emergency events and to have planned time for himself/herself and/or family members. Respite may be utilized during school hours for sickness or injury. Respite may include in- and out-of-home services, inclusive of overnight, weekend care or emergency care (family emergency-based, not to include out-of-home crisis). Respite may be provided in an individual or group setting. The primary caregiver is the person principally responsible for the care and supervision of the member and must maintain his/her primary residence at the same address as the member.