In 2009, the Allison Area Foster Parent Support Group received a grant from AdoptUSKids to develop a respite program for foster and adoptive families in four counties. In collaboration with the social work department at Wartburg College and the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) the program trains and certifies volunteer respite caregivers who provide care in the home of the foster parent. The program allows children in foster care to remain in their current foster home under the supervision of trained caregivers at times when their foster parents are away.
Under a contract with DHS, Respite Options of NE Iowa currently serves foster families in Allamakee, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Howard, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth, Wright, and Winneshiek Counties. The collaboration has expanded to include the social work departments at Loras College in Dubuque, Luther College in Decorah, as well as Wartburg College in Waverly.
Respite care providers have the opportunity to work with children in foster care while providing foster parents valuable time away from the daily challenges of foster parenting. Certified Respite Providers are volunteers who receive a small stipend for their time.
Under a contract with DHS, Respite Options of NE Iowa currently serves foster families in Allamakee, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Howard, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth, Wright, and Winneshiek Counties. The collaboration has expanded to include the social work departments at Loras College in Dubuque, Luther College in Decorah, as well as Wartburg College in Waverly.
Respite care providers have the opportunity to work with children in foster care while providing foster parents valuable time away from the daily challenges of foster parenting. Certified Respite Providers are volunteers who receive a small stipend for their time.