About the Respite Program
The Autism Project is committed to providing support to families raising children with special health care needs.
What is the Respite Program?
The Respite Program allows parents/guardians of a child with disabilities to receive caregiving support while simultaneously providing their child with an enriching experience. For those that qualify, each child or young adult will receive 200 hours per year of caregiving from a respite worker. In other words, if the parent or guardian needs time to go to the market, to visit friends, or to engage in self-care, they can employ the respite worker to care for and engage their child.
Respite is a family directed program and parents/guardians are required to find their own respite workers, but assistance is available from certified agencies. For more information on Respite, please contact Debra Langevin.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, the parent or guardian must be caring for a child or youth with special healthcare needs who:
- lives in the state of Rhode Island
- is under the age of 21 and living at home,
- is Medicaid-eligible, and
- meets specific criteria for levels of care.
How do I apply for Respite Services?
- Families enrolled in Medicaid, RIteCare or RIteShare (Neighborhood Health Plan, United Healthcare, or Tufts Health Plan) can contact The Autism Project directly to apply.
- Families who have a child who has Katie Beckett may contact Executive Office of Human Health Services (EOHHS).
Wondering if your child is eligible for Medicaid?
Download The Autism Project's brief summary of pathways to eligibility.
