Respite Foster Care
Every young person deserves consistency. A safe place to stay. Caring adults they can trust. Respite foster care helps make that possible.
When foster parents need time to attend medical appointments, participate in training, recover from an illness, manage a family emergency, or simply recharge, respite foster parents provide short-term care that allows children and youth to continue experiencing stability, belonging, and compassionate support.
What is Respite Foster Care?
Respite foster care is planned, short-term care provided by a certified foster parent for a child or teenager who is already living with another foster family.
Unlike emergency foster care, respite care is typically arranged in advance. It gives foster parents temporary support while ensuring the young person continues receiving safe, nurturing care from another trusted family.
Respite care may be needed for:
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- Medical appointments or procedures
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- Family emergencies
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- Required foster parent training
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- Vacations
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- Military obligations
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- Personal or family events
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- Times when foster parents simply need an opportunity to rest and recharge
After the respite stay, the young person returns to their foster family with routines and relationships intact.
Why Respite Matters for Kids and Foster Families
Foster parenting is one of the most meaningful ways to serve children and families, but it also comes with unique responsibilities. Just like any parent, foster parents sometimes need support. When foster parents have reliable respite support, it can help:
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- Reduce burnout and stress for foster parents
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- Improve placement stability for the child
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- Strengthen a child’s support network by adding another trusted adult
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- Prevent crises by giving families help before things feel overwhelming
Research consistently shows that maintaining stable placements helps children build trusting relationships, experience greater emotional security, and achieve better long-term outcomes. Every time respite care helps a foster family continue their journey, it supports the larger goal of helping young people heal, grow, and thrive.
When you become a respite foster parent, you’re not simply helping one family, you become part of an entire community working together on behalf of children.
What You’ll Do as a Respite Foster Parent
Respite caregivers provide the same basics that every child needs, with extra attention to routine and comfort. Depending on the child’s age and needs, respite may include:
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- Providing meals and a safe place to sleep
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- Keeping a familiar routine (bedtime, schoolwork, activities)
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- Helping with transportation (if approved/needed)
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- Supporting visits, calls, or plans set by the case team (when applicable)
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- Offering structure, supervision, and kindness
Before every planned respite placement, Together for Youth works closely with both families to ensure you understand the child’s routines, preferences, medications (if applicable), and any important information needed to provide excellent care.
You are never expected to do this alone.
Is Respite Foster Care Right for You?
Many people assume fostering requires making a full-time commitment. Respite foster care offers another meaningful way to serve.
It may be a great fit if you:
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- Want to make a difference but cannot commit to full-time foster care
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- Are exploring foster parenting and would like to gain experience first
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- Have weekends or occasional days available
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- Are retired or have a flexible schedule
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- Want to support other foster families in your community
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- Believe every young person deserves caring adults who show up when they’re needed most
There isn’t one “perfect” foster family. There are many different ways to help and every role matters.
Some programs may offer reimbursement or a stipend for respite care. Availability and amounts vary by program-ask your agency how it works where you live.
See All Types of Foster Care
What to Expect
Becoming a respite foster parent follows the same certification process as becoming a foster parent in New York State. Our team will guide you every step of the way.
Your journey includes:
- Attending an Information Session
Meet our team, ask questions, and learn whether respite care is right for your family. - Completing the Certification Process
Complete required training, background checks, and a home study. - Receiving Ongoing Support
Our foster care team provides guidance before, during, and after placements. - Sharing Your Availability
Whether you’re available one weekend each month or several times throughout the year, we’ll work with your schedule whenever possible. - Making a Difference
Open your home when respite care is needed and become an important part of a young person’s support network.
Why Families Choose Together for Youth
For more than 140 years, Together for Youth has been helping children, youth, and families build brighter futures across New York State.
When you become a respite foster parent with Together for Youth, you become part of a team that believes every young person deserves opportunities to heal, grow, and belong.
Our foster parents receive:
- Comprehensive training
- Dedicated support from experienced staff
- Ongoing communication throughout placements
- Access to helpful resources
- A collaborative team committed to children and families
Because fostering isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing what you can and knowing it matters.
Attend an Information SessionFAQs About Respite Care in New York
Respite foster care is temporary, short-term care provided by a certified foster parent for a child or teenager who is already living with another foster family. It gives foster parents planned time away while ensuring children continue receiving safe, nurturing care.
Most respite placements last anywhere from a few hours to several days, although some may extend over a school break or holiday depending on the needs of the foster family.
Yes. Many respite foster parents choose weekends, holidays, school breaks, or other times that work best for their schedules. We’ll work with your availability whenever possible.
No. You decide when you’re available. Our team works closely with respite providers to match opportunities that fit their schedules and preferences.
Yes. Respite foster parents complete New York State foster parent certification requirements, including training, background checks, and a home study. Together for Youth provides ongoing guidance and support throughout your journey.
Certified respite foster parents may receive reimbursement according to New York State foster care guidelines. Our team can explain current reimbursement rates and eligibility during an information session.
Absolutely. Many families begin by providing respite care before deciding to accept longer-term foster placements. Others discover respite care is the perfect long-term way for them to support children and families. Both paths are valuable.
Yes. Many respite foster parents work full-time and provide care on weekends, holidays, or other times they’re available.