The National Respite Locator Services of ARCH National Respite Network describes respite as follows: “Respite, a break for caregivers and families, is a service in which temporary care is provided to a child or adult with disabilities, or chronic or terminal illnesses, and to persons at risk of abuse and neglect. Respite can occur in out-of-home and in-home settings for any length of time, depending on the needs of the family and available resources. As a vital part of the continuum of services for families, respite helps prevent out-of-home placements and possible abuse and neglect situations, preserves the family unit, and supports family stability.”
In Illinois, respite services have been provided in a number of different ways. In-home respite providers (these providers send the respite worker to your home to care for your family member in their own environment) as well as those who offer this service in a center-based model (families take their loved one to a respite home or center for care) have been available, depending on funding. Eligibility determination and funding sources for these programs vary.
Respite services/providers currently funded by the IL Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities are listed here.
Many agencies that provide other services to children or adults with disabilities also provide respite. To find respite providers near you, contact local service providers and the Illinois Respite Coalition.
Respite Services
Respite Services – Main Page
Respite Organizations – National
IL Dept of Human Services – FY 24 DDD funded agencies
Advocacy Toolbox – Main Page