For short periods up to 24 hours – “Babysitting”
The “Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard” allows foster caregivers to use their own judgement to select and employ a babysitter for occasional short-term use.
For periods longer than 24 hours – “Respite Care”
For more than 24 hours (family emergency, travel, a break, work trip, etc.), another approved foster family must temporarily care for your foster youth. Respite care must be approved through the child’s social worker. The county can also help find Approved Resource Family to provide respite. Make your request as early as possible so that the county can arrange care in another approved foster home.
In home childcare provider and/or relative
Anyone watching or spending time with the child regularly needs to do a background check through the county. (Also, anyone 18 years or older who resides in the foster home must do a background check.)
Information to leave with the respite caregiver or the babysitter
- Emergency contact information
- Any medication that should be administered to the foster youth
- If needed, information about the child’s emotional, behavioral, medical or physical conditions