Family Respite Services is committed to providing respite for children wherever possible in their own home or in the community.  However, some families and children require a more structured setting to provide out of home respite.  FRS operates two staffed respite homes for this purpose.  These two homes provide out of home respite care in a "staff model" setting, located in homes in the community.  The first program is known as Weekend With Friends.  It is located at 4400 Howard Avenue in the Solcz Family Foundation Respite Home. Children come and stay at the home for a weekend on a regular basis. The children who use the program are between the ages of 8-18 and have developmental challenges. The emphasis in the program is to provide a fun, supportive environment for the children. During their stay, the children take part in the community events and activities in the home. Usually 4-6 children stay in the home at one time. Weekday activities take place in the home during the summer.

Family Respite Services also provides out of home respite on weekends at a home on Spago Crescent for children with developmental and physical disabilities. Both homes are licensed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, ensuring that there is a safe environment for the children. Similar to the Weekend with Friends program, the goal at this home is to provide care for the children in a home-like environment that is fun and nurturing.

Spago Crescent is also "home" to three children who live there on a full time basis.

FRS hires part time staff to provide support to the children who access the services at these two homes.  Staff members have diverse educational backgrounds and need experience working with children with developmental, physical and behavioural challenges.  All staff members must be able to work shift work that involves a commitment to work on weekends.

Contact Family Respite Services if you are interested in working at one of our staffed respite homes.