Respite services are provided to children and adults with disabilities under the Home and Community Based Services Waiver.

Families must apply for the waiver to become eligible for this service through a local DHS office.  Services are provided in the family's home when the family needs time away from the child/adult in order to do daily tasks, or up to two weeks for a vacation.

A family can use up to 576 hours of respite services a year.  This is not an emergency service.  Families are encouraged to assist in giving names of people they wish to care for their child/adult, as well as interview these people.  Families are requested to help in the training of staff due to the families knowledge of how to care for their child/adult.

Respite services provide a one to one time with the child/adult so that family can have a worry free and restful time while away from their family member.