Respite Care is care provided to a foster child for a short period of time by someone other than their foster family. During this time the foster parents are temporarily relieved of their daily parental responsibilities for the foster child in order to rest and refresh themselves. Usually the respite care period would be limited from several hours to several days or a weekend. With periodic time-out, foster parents are better able to carry out the difficult tasks required of caring for children and youth with special needs.

While respite care is designed principally to provide rest and relief for the foster parents, the foster child also benefits. A temporary change of caregiver gives the child/youth an opportunity to build new healthy relationships and to experience a bit of independence. Quality respite care can nurture the youth's sense of trust and stability through contact with additional stable and caring adults and their families.

Respite care may be provided in the home of an approved Respite Care Provider or in the foster family's home.