Innovative Services NW is recruiting foster parents for our Respite Program. The Innovative Services NW Respite Program provides families with a trained respite provider to work with children who have special needs. Respite care offers families an opportunity for a break from the intense on-going care for their children. Some of these needs are related to mental health or behavior disorders and others are related to physical or cognitive delays or disabilities.

In addition to providing daytime respite, Innovative Services NW has the ability to offer respite services nights and weekends through our state Child Placing Agency Contract. Innovative Services NW recruits foster families, who are licensed by the state, to provide overnight and weekend respite services in a safe, nurturing, licensed foster home. This allows the parent of a child with special needs or foster youth to have a weekend off or take a scheduled vacation. Making these types of planned breaks possible may help the families avoid the need for specialized and expensive long-term care.

Foster families are reimbursed by the state for providing overnight respite care. Foster Parents for Overnight Respite must be at least 21 years old and have the following:

• A passion for helping children
• Reliable transportation, a good driving record, a valid driver's license and auto liability insurance
• A willingness to work with diverse populations
• Current CPR certification and ability to pass a background check

For more information about becoming a Foster Parent, contact Program Specialist, Eva Halter at (360) 601-8850 or email ehalter@innovativeservicesnw.org