Respite Care Services

What is Respite?

Respite is a program that offers personalized support to children with autism and their families. Additionally, the respite care worker will work on improving the child's social emotional skills based on goals indicated on the family intake papwork. In layman's terms, respite provides you with someone who has been trained in autism to watch your child, and work on specific goals if you request it.

In What Areas Does RFENC Offer Respite Care?

Currently we offer respite care in Shasta County, but we are in the process of expanding to Butte and Tehama Counties as well. We are also in the process of training Spanish speaking workers.

How Can Respite Care Benefit My Family?

Simply put, by giving parents a break! A respite care worker can come into your house or deliver services outside your home, like the park for example. You'll find that respite care services can help you maintain a healthy relationship between you and your child and everyone else. You may even feel "refreshed" as a parent.

What Qualifications Does Each Respite Care Worker Have?

In addition to a six hour training course on autism, each of our respite care workers has been carefully screened and required to have a current CPR/First Aid certification and background check (including fingerprints) through the Department of Justice. Since they may transport children we have taken the time to ensure each worker has a safe driving record. Even so, we encourage each family to thoroughly "get to know" a respite care worker to make sure he/she is a good fit for your child.

How do I Sign Up?

Like all of RFENC's services, respite is offered free of charge. If your family would like to participate in this service you must have a child (age 0 - 18) with a diagnosis of autism and your child must be a client of Far Northern Regional Center, who funds this service. To use respite services simply call Far Northern at (530) 222-4791 and speak to your coordinator. Tell him/her that you would like to use respite through Rowell Family Empowerment.