Families Respite Program

Uniting Parents is excited to introduce the Families Respite Program, funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This program is designed to support families of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) by providing access to short-term respite care. The goal is to strengthen the family unit, reduce stress, and promote community involvement for the child.

Mission: The Families Respite Program seeks to:

• Help parents keep their child at home.
• Preserve and strengthen the family unit.
• Allow children to participate in community activities.
• Enable parents to spend time with other children or attend important events.
• Reduce family stress and rebuild relationships.

Respite Benefits:

• Helps parents rest, attend conferences, or handle emergencies.
• Provides care during short-term breaks like grocery shopping, attending special events, or taking siblings to activities.
• Note: This program is not for long-term or daily childcare.
• Funding for college scholarships.
• Funding for camp scholarships.

Application Process:

1. Request an application from your case manager.
2. Respite services will be included as a goal in the family’s individual service plan.
3. After review, a decision letter and voucher instructions will be sent.

Voucher System:

• Upon approval, a voucher will be mailed with instructions for both the parent and provider to sign.
• The voucher includes the reimbursement rate and co-pay details.
• To receive reimbursement, the voucher must be submitted by the end of the month in which services were used.
• Reimbursement will be mailed approximately 8-10 weeks later.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is respite? It’s a short break for families of children with special health care needs. It’s not daycare.
• How do I access respite hours? Contact your case manager; hours depend on need, approval, and funds availability.
• Who can be a provider? Parents can select friends or relatives (outside the home), but they are responsible for screening and training the provider.
• Who is eligible? Families receiving Uniting Parents services and not receiving respite from another source.
• How soon will I receive reimbursement? Reimbursement can take 8-10 weeks if vouchers are submitted on time. Delays may occur if not submitted by the deadline.

For further inquiries, contact your case manager or Uniting Parents at 806-337-1700.