It is a service that is available from infancy to adulthood. Respite care began in the late 1960's with the deinstitutionalization movement. During this time, it was realized that children with disabilities or special health care needs are better off being cared for in their own home and living in their own community. This Act directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau, to provide funding to states to assist private and public agencies in developing temporary care services. Many states have developed family support legislation, which may include an entitlement program in which a family is entitled to a certain amount of respite services sponsored by the state.
Families can receive services from home health care agencies, respite programs, or family friends.
Further, Medicaid has the Home and Community Based Waiver which is another program that brings respite to families. In-Home services can be provided by a nursing agency, volunteer association, homemakers service, sitter service, or by friends or relatives. Within these respite programs are different levels of care providers. For a child with disabilities but no special health care needs, a specially trained caregiver may be provided. For a child with disabilities who has relatively simple health concerns, a certified nursing assistant may be necessary.