Provide Relief for Full-Time Foster Parents
Palmer Home houseparents are in many ways similar to other parents. They cook. They clean. They shuttle children to and from doctor's appointments and extracurricular practices.
Why Respite Care
One of the most impactful ways we support our houseparents is by ensuring they are able to rest! The biggest predictor of success in a child's life is the quality of their relationships. Providing rest to our houseparents equips them to invest in these relationships, and ultimately help the children in their care.
Preventing Houseparent Turnover
Our houseparents often say they have the best job in the world, but we also know they have one of the hardest jobs. The national turnover rate for full-time houseparents is one to three years.
Palmer Home houseparents exceed this national average, and we hope to continue this trend by increasing the availability of respite and support.
Respite Care FAQs
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How often should I plan to provide Respite Care?
Children do better and feel safer when there are steady routines in their lives. Because of this, we are recruiting adults who have the desire to provide regular respite care. Respite Caregivers commit to serving once a month or once every other month. This time frame allows for optimal relationship building with the children they care for and the caregivers they support.
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Is training and support provided?
In this role, you will come to understand the unique needs of children or individuals and how those needs are best met. Respite Caregivers receive Whole Child Initiative training to equip them with the necessary tools to step in and be a successful respite caregiver. Palmer Home will help you partner with full-time caregivers to provide care that is consistent with what children experience with their full-time caregivers.
How to Apply
Individuals or couples interested in becoming Respite Caregiver(s) will start by completing an initial application and screening.
Additional measures to ensure the child’s safety include a thorough background check–both criminal and medical–personal references, and any other verifications deemed necessary. When providing off campus care, Respite Caregivers also complete a home study assessment with a Palmer Home caseworker.
Want to be a respite caregiver?
We look forward to partnering with you! Please email us at info@palmerhome.org and someone from our Children's Services team will contact you to start the application process.
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