What is respite?

Respite is a short-term restorative break for both caregivers and their children and young adults with special needs. This special break may occur in or outside the home, for a few hours or over several days or at camp, by plan or in crisis.

Respite provides and important pause from daily routines, essential for the mental, physical and spiritual recovery and general well being of both the caregiver and those they care for.

Who is eligible?

Any child up to age 21 with a special health care need or disability residing in Maryland.

What is a special need?

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are defined by the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) as:

“those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, development, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally”

Some examples inclulde:

Developmental disabilities: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism etc.
Mental Health: Depression, Mood Disorder etc.
Medical diagnosis: Cancer, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma etc.

Apply for funding

To learn more and apply for funding, please contact us