Respite allows families to have a break from directly caring and supporting a person with a developmental disability. Regional centers pay a respite worker to be with the person with a developmental disability so the family members can have a break.^[1]Section 4690.2. A “family member” is someone who lives with a person with a developmental disability and who is responsible for their 24-hour care and supervision.^[2]Title 17 Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(29). Respite is at no cost to families unless they are subject to the cost participation program described above.

When a respite worker comes to provide care for your child, you can leave the house, spend time with family and friends, or take a nap. You do not have to leave the house, but you need to take a break from providing care for your child.

If you are sick, on a vacation, or you need to travel for business, then the regional center can pay for short-term out-of-home care for your child.^[3]Section 4212(b).