Respite Care Program

Respite Parent Qualifications

Respite providers with Child & Family Focus (CFF) can provide care from their own home, in the home of the child, or both.

To be eligible to provide care in a child’s home, you must:
  • Reside in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery County.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be free from child abuse and criminal records. Criminal history and child abuse background checks are conducted for each respite care provider applicant. If a potential provider has been living in the state of Pennsylvania for less than two years, an FBI check will be conducted in the state of origin. CFF also requires consent to contact the local police & local Office of Children, Youth, & Families for an applicant reference.
  • Be willing to supply three personal references, 2 personal and 1 professional.
  • Have a current PA driver’s license, as well as current auto insurance on all vehicles.
  • Be willing to become culturally competent, accepting and understanding the importance of cultural issues in family, community life, and treatment planning.
  • Be willing to obtain pre-service training, including CPR & First Aid.
  • Be willing to obtain ongoing training.
  • Be willing to follow the rules and regulations set forth by CFF.
To be eligible to provide care from your own home, you must:
  • Reside in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery County.
  • Be at least 25 years of age.
  • Be free from child abuse and criminal records. Criminal history and child abuse background checks are conducted for each adult (age 14 and older) living in an applicant's home. If a potential provider has been living in the state of Pennsylvania for less than two years, an FBI check will be conducted in the state of origin. CFF also requires consent to contact the local police & local Office of Children, Youth, & Families for an applicant reference.
  • Be willing to supply three personal references, 2 personal and 1 professional.
  • Have a current PA driver’s license, as well as current auto insurance on all vehicles (for all licensed drivers in the home).
  • Reside in a home that passes safety standards established by the state of Pennsylvania, and have current home owner’s or renter’s insurance.
  • Be willing to obtain pre-service training, including CPR & First Aid.
  • Be willing to participate in CFF’s annual training program.
  • Provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
  • Be willing to become culturally competent, accepting and understanding the importance of cultural issues in family, community life, and treatment planning.
  • Be willing to follow the rules and regulations set forth by CFF.
Our high assessment standards are in place to provide protection to our families utilizing respite services, as well as to our providers. Any information that is contrary to, or incompatible with, the above criteria will result in the denial of applicants.

Thank you for your interest in learning about what it takes to become a respite provider with Child and Family Focus, Inc.!