Program Description
Respite provides flexible, short-term breaks from caregiving to give families time for rest and renewal. These services are designed to support the wellbeing of the caregiver, the child or youth, and the overall family system, offering a periodic opportunity to recharge while maintaining high-quality care for the individual.
Program Goals
- To provide caregivers of children or youth with exceptional needs a planned, short-term break from caregiving responsibilities;
- To support the overall wellbeing of the caregiver(s), child/youth, and family system; and
- To promote family resilience, balance, and sustained caregiving capacity.
Eligibility Criteria
- Families residing in Oxford County caring for a child or youth with a Developmental Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder;
- Documentation confirming the child or youth’s diagnosis (e.g., assessment report);
- Child or youth must reside in Oxford County;
- Child or youth must be 17 years of age or younger; and
- Families must meet requirements for self-directed respite funding through Oxford Respite Network.
Exclusionary Criteria
- Respite services are not intended to replace childcare while working;
- Respite is not a substitute for treatment or other necessary services; and
- Services cannot be used in place of essential supports required by the child or youth.
Referral and Intake Process
- Respite funding is provided to Wellkin by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), and approvals are determined through the Oxford Respite Network;
- The level and duration of respite services are based on the demonstrated needs of the child, youth, and family, as well as available resources; and
- To confirm eligibility and begin the referral process, please contact the Respite Coordinator, Penny Sim, via email at psim@wellkin.ca or by calling 1-877-539-0463, extension 230.