Lafayette Foster & Adoptive Support believes respite can help sustain the family caregivers health and well being, avoid or delay out-of-home placements, and reduce the likelihood of abuse and neglect. An outcome based evaluation pilot study showed that respite may also reduce the likelihood of divorce and help sustain marriages. Respite provides a way to relieve stress from money challenges, comm
unity resource confusion and the everyday challenges from having the pleasure of raising such beautiful children with special needs. Respite is a pause from exertion; usually a short interval of rest or relief. The services they receive include but are not limited to:
Family education: Foster, Kinship & Adoptive Parent training, Parenting Classes (budgets, safety, meal planning, etc.), Tutoring for children and adults. Supporting child and family needs that fall through the gap. Many foster families are unable to provide "extras" to their foster children due to financial constraints. These funds are used to pay for medical supplies, emergency clothing and hygiene items, baby items (formula, diapers and supplies), backpacks for school, school yearbooks, senior class rings, prom tickets, art/music lessons, registration for camp, scouting expenses and much more. We provide special events for Foster, Kinship & Adoptive families where they can feel safe in knowing others understand the special needs of their children. These families also have the benefit of networking and getting the support of others who understand their dynamics. Our annual Christmas Skating Party and Summer Pool party are our two biggest family events.
