The Kalamazoo (Michigan) Parent Respite Care Co-op enables parents of handicapped children to take a break from the daily care their child requires. (SW)

The mother of a mentally retarded adult emphasizes the need for respite care for families and discusses the changes in education since her daughter was of school age. (CL)

Background: This study examines the effects and associated factors of respite care, which was legislated as a community service for adults with an intellectual disability (ID) in Taiwan in 1997. Method: A total of 116 family carers who live with an adult with ID and have utilised the respite care program were surveyed using standardised measures.…

The paper describes the Temporary Care Services program in Massachusetts which provides in-home respite care to families with developmentally delayed children. Events which led to the program's development are reviewed. Respite care is offered in six areas: emergencies, scheduled routine events, social activities, family life, child care for…

The review deals with the impact of stress upon the parents and the siblings of children with intellectual disabilities. The basic proposition expounded is the need for respite care to allow the family to engage in those activities that are part of the experience enjoyed by other families within the community. (Author/CL)

The article traces the initial development of respite care in the 1970s to a variety of creative urban and rural program models found in the United States by the early 1980s. Implications for advocacy, funding, and further research indicate the growing need for and acceptance of this essential family support system. (Author/CL)

A study of respite services for families of persons with developmental disabilities indicated five major problems: inconsistent availability across the state, inconsistent planning and evaluation procedures, inadequate management information systems, lack of information to families, and lack of a career development model for respite workers.…

The nation's child protection system (CPS) has historically focused on preventing maltreatment in high-risk families, whose children have already been maltreated. But, as Jane Waldfogel explains, it has also begun developing prevention procedures for children at lower risk--those who are referred to CPS but whose cases do not meet the criteria for…

In an era in which evidence based practices are becoming the standard of care, there is little evidence that the current array of services commonly delivered for those with autism is helpful. This study describes community-based service utilization and caregiver-rated outcomes of services on symptoms of 113 children with autism spectrum disorders…

The study aimed to identify patterns of respite use and coping strategies among family caregivers in a region of Ireland. Firstly, we asked what child and family characteristics were associated with use of respite care. Secondly, we explored coping strategies reported by family carers. The study was undertaken with a view to informing respite…

The parent of a severely handicapped child encourages parents to prepare written care plans when leaving a child with others for a respite period. (DB)

A training program taught 120 teenage sitters child care skills identified as important by parents (N=250) of children with disabilities. Training included first aid and 15 hours of instruction emphasizing communication, responsive play, simple behavior management, handling of emergencies, and interviews with parents. The program also linked…

A respite care program in New Jersey provides 50 families of mentally alert severely disabled adults with periodic relief. The program, which featured recreational and social activities, promotes the mental health of parents and families. (CL)

Recent developments in the area of respite care for families of handicapped individuals are discussed. Two programs, the Hartford Regional Center, which has more than 60 licensed respite homes on its lists, and the Respite Care center of the St. Louis Association for Retarded Children, which has a 16 bed facility, are described. (PHR)

An article is presented on the "burn-out" of parents, particularly those of autistic children (i.e., the exhaustion of their psychological and/or physical resources as a result of long and intense caring for their children), along with the comments and responses of five parents and professionals. (DLS)