Steps to Becoming a Respite Care Provider

To ensure that we are matching the right children with the right families, here are six important steps to becoming a respite care provider.

  1. Attend an information meeting.
  2. Submit a pre-service application.
  3. Participate in an initial interview.
  4. Provide financial documentation.
  5. Providing full contact information for all listed references is required to ensure each can be successfully reached for validation.
  6. Successfully complete pre-service training including Foster Parent College courses.
  7. Finalize all pre-service licensure documentation, including verified clear results for criminal background, CPS, and child support compliance.
  8. Verification of passing results for both fire safety and environmental health inspections.
  9. Participate in a home-study.

Requirements to Become a Respite Care Provider

To become certified as a respite care provider, you must meet state licensing requirements. These include:

  1. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and be Maryland residents.
  2. Applicants can be single or married.
  3. Applicants must have a car.
  4. Applicants must be financially stable.
  5. Applicants must have a landline telephone.
  6. Applicants must have adequate space for the foster child without disrupting the usual sleeping and living arrangements of the family. A child may share a room with another child of similar age and sex.
  7. Applicants must have a High School diploma or GED.
  8. Applicants and any adults residing in the home 18 years or older must be fingerprinted for a criminal background check.
  9. Applicants and all household members must have an initial medical examination including TB clearance.
  10. Day care and/or domiciliary care cannot be provided in the applicant’s home.
  11. Applicants may not smoke in the home.

You must also sign agreements relating to the use of firearms, child abuse and neglect, discipline, and providing respite and/or foster care.