About Respite Care

A Vital Role in Supporting Family Stability

Children wrestling outside on the grass as they express joy and happiness.

Ensuring Children Continue to Receive Consistent Care

These placements are designed to ensure continuity of care in a safe, nurturing environment while offering relief to families during times of transition or increased need.

Respite care may be provided for children in foster care, adopted children, families with open foster care cases, youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and families working with Community Mental Health when respite services are included in the child’s care plan. Respite homes play a vital role in supporting family stability, preventing placement disruptions, and ensuring children continue to receive consistent care.

Guide to Becoming a Respite Foster Parent

Learn more about respite care and what to expect at each step.

Prospective foster family meeting with a caseworker in a home setting

Taking the first step is easy. When you reach out to Spaulding for Children, we’ll mail you a Welcome Packet that introduces you to our agency and the foster care and adoption process. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Our history and commitment to children and families
  • Information about foster care, adoption, and available services
  • Helpful materials outlining the benefits of becoming a Spaulding parent
  • Clear steps for becoming a respite caregiver
  • An orientation registration form to help you move forward when you’re ready

Contact:
Stacey Oakes
Phone: 248 443 0300 ext. 235
Email: soakes@spaulding.org

Once you register, you’ll be invited to attend Orientation.

Before your scheduled session, Spaulding for Children will send you an orientation folder with helpful materials.

Orientation is conducted virtually, making it easy to participate from home. Free online orientation sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and the third Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

NOTE: All adults living in the home, i.e. husband & wife, partners, roommates etc., must attend Orientation & all trainings

GROW (Grow, Recognize, Obtain, Work) training is a mandatory 20–25 hour pre-licensure program for prospective respite caregivers in Michigan. It covers trauma-informed parenting, child development, attachment, and licensing requirements, with many sessions offered virtually via Zoom.

  • Grow culturally responsive relationships.
  • Recognize children’s developmental needs and the impact of trauma.
  • Obtain information and resources.
  • Work in partnership with families to support healthy relationships.

Enroll in G.R.O.W. Training at at NO COST.

Upon completion of the GROW Training Series, your Home Assessment Process will be initiated at no cost.

A licensing worker will guide you through each step, including scheduling a home visit and providing a clear list of required documents.

After your assessment is complete and all documentation is received, your file will be submitted to the Foster Home Licensing Supervisor for final approval.

Checklist for Foster Home Licensing: Download PDF

Upon completion of training and the assessment process, Spaulding for Children will submit your home study and a recommendation for licensure to the State of Michigan, Division of Child Welfare Licensing (DCWL). Once approved, you will receive your foster home license and become a licensed respite family.

After licensure, you are eligible to welcome children into your home and may be contacted by the agency for temporary foster care placements.

To support your success, newly licensed foster parents are required to attend at least six Parent Empowerment Group meetings during their first year with Spaulding for Children. These groups help foster connection, learning, and peer support.

You will also be partnered with a dedicated licensing specialist who will remain with you throughout your licensing experience—offering guidance, encouragement, and ongoing support as you grow in your role.

Ready to Move Forward?

Adoption

We offer free, comprehensive support to families throughout the adoption journey.

Family sitting together on a couch, supporting a child learning on a laptop at home

Foster Care

We support foster families every step of the way and offer comprehensive services to promote healing and positive outcomes for children.

Contact us

For Assistance during the process:

Stacey Oakes
Program Manager
Office: 248-443-0300 ext. 235
Fax: 248-443-2845
Email: soakes@spaulding.org