If it cannot be, sponsoring agencies should consider offering stipends to families to obtain respite within their local communities. Logistical Concerns Choosing a good location for an on-site respite program is essential and should, ideally, be a key criteria in choosing a site for the larger conference or event. When choosing a location for a respite program, there are a number of characteristics to consider. When organizing any respite service, liability is always a fundamental concern. As with any child care program, it is most important to minimize risk to the children in care by providing adequate and experienced personnel, a safe environment, and back-up emergency planning.
Prevention is the best strategy for risk management.
However, it is also important to have adequate protection should some unforeseeable event occur. The hotel or conference facility may have liability insurance that will cover the respite program. It is important to make sure hotel insurance does not exlude child care activities. In addition, if a home health agency is involved in providing care, it will likely carry some form of liability insurance. Finally, it is always advisable to have all parents and caregivers sign a waiver of responsibility.