Many parents of children and adults with disabilities have low incomes and cannot afford to hire providers to provide time away from their children. Many people with disabilities require 24-hour, around-the-clock supervision, attention and care. This continuous demand becomes a tremendous drain on caregivers emotionally, physically and mentally-this care will remain constant as they grow older. Consequently, families of children with disabilities are at high risk for divorce, substance abuse and child abuse because of the continuing stress of caring for the child with disabilities. Respite care is an assistance program to parents, but just as importantly, is a prevention program aimed at stopping some of the social problems that can result from the tremendous demands made on families due to the disabilities of their child or the institutionalization of the family member with a disability.

RESPITE SERVICES

In-Home Care
Currently, Respite Care is offered to parents or guardians who care for a child with a disability. The Providers, who are selected by the parents, care for the child in the home, freeing the parent to leave the home for errands, leisure time, appointments and other activities.  This program has empowered parents to bring into the Respite Care system their own provider, someone whom they know and trust to be with their child.

Respitality Mini-Vacations

Benefits of Respite Care
Following is a list of benefits for children with disabilities and their families as a result of the availability of Respite Care.

• Decrease in isolation
• Prevention of abuse and/or neglect
• Increase in ability to cope
• Strengthened family stability
• Preservation of the family unit
• Decrease in divorce
• Increase in participation in community
• Decrease in out-of-home placements
• Reduction of crisis situation
• Empowerment of the family to make decisions regarding the care of their children

Respite Forms

MHMRA Voucher
MHMRA Voucher- Spanish
United Way Expense Voucher
Resource Project

For more information please contact Linda Latimer at (713) 838.9050, ext.307.
Para ayuda en espanol llama This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (713) 838.9050, ext.375
Please participate in the Greater Houston Respite Coalition Survey

Special Thanks

United Way
Montgomery County United Way
The Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County