2002 Minnesota Statutes

     256F.12 Grant program for respite care. 

    Subdivision 1.    Respite care program.  The 
 commissioner of human services shall establish a grant program 
 to provide respite care services to families or caregivers who 
 are under stress and at risk of abusing or neglecting their 
 children, families with children suffering from emotional 
 problems, and families receiving child protective services.  

    Subd. 2.    Service goals.  Respite care programs shall 
 provide temporary services for families or caregivers in order 
 to:  

    (1) allow the family to engage in the family's usual daily 
 activities; 

    (2) maintain family stability during crisis situations; 

    (3) help preserve the family unit by lessening pressures 
 that might lead to divorce, institutionalization, neglect, or 
 child abuse; 

    (4) provide the family with rest and relaxation; 

    (5) improve the family's ability to cope with daily 
 responsibilities; and 

    (6) make it possible for individuals with disabilities to 
 establish independence and enrich their own growth and 
 development.  

    Subd. 3.    Definition.  "Respite care" means in-home or 
 out-of-home temporary, nonmedical child care for families and 
 caregivers who are under stress and at risk of abusing or 
 neglecting their children, and families with children suffering 
 from emotional problems.  Respite care shall be available for 
 time periods varying from one hour to two weeks.  

    In-home respite care is provided in the home of the person 
 needing care.  

    Out-of-home respite care will be given in the provider's 
 home or other facility.  In these cases, the provider's home or 
 facility must be currently licensed for day care or foster home 
 care.  

    Subd. 4.    Sliding fee scale.  The commissioner shall 
 establish a sliding fee scale that takes into account family 
 income, expenses, and ability to pay.  Grant funds shall be used 
 to subsidize the respite care of children.  Funded projects must:

    (1) prevent and reduce mental, physical, and emotional 
 stress on parents and children; 

    (2) provide training for caregivers; 

    (3) establish a network of community support groups and 
 resources for families; 

    (4) conduct an intake assessment in order to identify the 
 presenting problems and make appropriate referrals; 

    (5) provide age appropriate programming; and 

    (6) ensure that respite care providers complete at least 
 120 hours of training in child development, child care, and 
 related issues.  

    Subd. 5. Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67 

    HIST: 1Sp1993 c 1 art 3 s 28