Find respite care if you have a child with a disability

About respite care 

Respite care is short-term care of children with disabilities. It gives parents and caregivers a break and helps families continue caring for their child at home. 

Caregivers can provide care in your home or in the community.

Respite care does not replace: 

• early intervention programs; 
• preschool or daycare; 
• before or after school care; or 
• work-related child care. 

How it works 

You choose and hire a respite caregiver. 

You and your social worker decide how many hours or days you need care each month. This depends on your child’s needs and program limits. Families with more than 1 child with disabilities may receive additional funding. 

Children’s Disability Services are available in all of the Yukon’s communities.

Who can apply

You're eligible if:

• you're a Yukon resident;
• your child is under 19 years of age;
• your child was diagnosed with a disability or identified as possibly having a disability by a qualified health care professional; and
• you've accessed other resources, such as private insurance or employee benefits, before contacting Children’s Disability Services.

How to access care

1. Someone working with your child, such as a doctor or teacher, can make a referral with your permission. The referral must include:
   • the child’s full name;
   • date of birth;
   • type of disability, if known;
   • caregiver names; and
   • any relevant reports.
2. A social worker will arrange a meeting to discuss your family’s needs. Visits can take place at your home, the Children’s Disability Services office or elsewhere.
3. This meeting will be about 1 hour long. A follow-up meeting may be needed. At this initial meeting, the social worker will:
   • gather information about your child’s needs;
   • review consent and confidentiality forms;
   • discuss alternate supports and services; and
   • share information on the supports and services we offer.
4. We'll need a report or assessment to identify how your child’s disability significantly limits their ability to function in daily life.
5. The social worker will contact you to follow up.
6. If your child and family are eligible for funding or services, it may take 4 to 6 weeks to set up the funding.