Home Based Respite is a council service that is provided to families who have children with additional needs/disabilities for children and young people up to the age of 18 years. 

The service supports parent/s and child to participate in family, social and community activities.  It enables families caring for a child or young person with an additional need/disability to have a break from the demands of that care.

Respite is provided in the home or out of the home, supporting the client in activities and experiences with which they may already be involved.  It may also be used to assist and support the family meal time, bed time, grooming, dressing, bathing, outings, etc.  The care and supervision that is provided is to assist and enhance the child's development and well being.

Respite provides a limited amount of hours during the week, up to 4 hours.  The service is available during the day, evenings or weekends on a regular or occasional  basis.

Respite carers are employed with council and are provided with regular training.  They are monitored and supervised  by council staff and receive regular support with their client placements. 

Families are charged a fee for service based on the family income.

For further information regarding this program please download the brochure Home Based Respite Brochure 

The attached document describes what is required of people providing home based respite.Position description respite worker.

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Family & Children's Services.

Noahs Ark Victoria
Carers Victoria
Disability Online
Association for Children with a Disability
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities
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