Respite care, as an available option to adoptive families when they need a break is an important postadoption service. In this section find resources describing respite care and a database for finding respite care for children with special needs.
ABCs of Respite: A Consumer Guide for Family Caregivers (PDF - 672 KB)
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center (2021)
Provides an overview of the benefits and support offered by respite care for family caregivers who may be unfamiliar with available services.
Adoption Assistance by State
Child Welfare Information Gateway (2019)
Provides a collaboration of postadoption services available in each State, including adoption information, support groups, adoptive family counseling, case management, and information on respite care.
Adoption Respite
Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association
Provides information about adoption respite, eligibility for adoption respite, and a number of support groups available for parents involved in foster care.
ARCH Factsheets
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center & Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Project
Provides links to 56 factsheets on respite care and family support. State Respite Coalition includes links to information about state respite coalitions and state Lifespan Respite programs as well as current contact information.
How Child Welfare Systems Are Providing Family Support: Respite Care Services (PDF - 157 KB)
AdoptUsKids (2018)
Highlights the various types of respite care and examples of programs that are implementing them for families involved in the child welfare system.
Respite as a Support Service for Adoptive Families (PDF - 201 KB)
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center (2019)
Provides strategies for addressing the needs of adoptive families using respite services as well as lists the providers offering respite supports and services.
Respite for Families Caring for Children Who Are Medically Fragile (PDF - 256 KB)
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center (2014)
The Technical Assistance Center for Lifespan Respite: Factsheet Number 11
Compiles information for respite providers who work with individuals and families with children who are medically fragile.
Taking a Break: Creating Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Respite Care in Your Community (PDF - 2,025 KB)
AdoptUsKids (2013)
Provides parent group leaders and administrators with tools to successfully implement respite care programs in their communities.