Family Respite Services is the host of a service called supportyourway.ca or respiteservices.com. This is an online tool that is available throughout Ontario in many communities. Families who have sons and daughters who have funding for respite services may use this tool. This funding might be through Special Services at Home (SSAH), Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), Autism respite funding, Enhanced respite funding, resources through Family Respite Services, or other similar kinds of funding.
As the host for this service,
- FRS helps to recruit people who are interested in providing support (direct support providers) and match them with families/individuals who need the support.
- In this process, we ensure that all direct support providers are screened and provide information that will help a family to know more about the DSP’s experience, availability, and training that will help make it a successful match. We meet with applicants to discuss this before placing your name on the active registry of workers.
- Everyone who applies to be a Direct Support Provider through respiteservices.com must provide information about their experience and training, a Vulnerable sector police clearance, and references.
- The Direct Support Provider negotiates the payment for their service with the family- they are not employees of FRS.
- Generally, DSP’s receive $18-25 per hour and are paid directly by the family. Families use a variety of funding opportunities to assist with this.
- Direct Support Provider have many benefits from their support: flexible hours of work, meaningful employment, new skills and experience, the impact of helping a family and individual live a good life in the community.
Family:
This resource enables families and Direct Support Providers to use an online tool to be matched with one another. When a family registers on the website they provide a profile of their child and family needs without using their name. They can specify the kinds of skills needed, the time they require support, the age of their child, and the approximate location they live in. Families can also view the profiles of people who are screened Direct Support Providers and ask for more identifying information so that they can meet the person and decide whether the person is a suitable caregiver for their child. A Family Coordinator at Family Respite Services contacts the family to ensure that we have all the information to enable a successful match. The family makes the decision about the selection of the person that will care for their son or daughter.
Direct Support Providers:
Families usually require that the person who provides services has experience and skills that prepare them to support their son or daughter. Approved Direct Support Providers can post a profile that outlines their qualifications, experience, availability, and special skills. Direct Support Providers are identified by a profile number rather than by name. Families can request further information and schedule a time to meet. The Direct Support Provider can also view family profiles and ask to be linked with the family. Direct Support Providers are self-employed. Once the Direct Support Provider and family meet, they agree on the rate of reimbursement for the services.
Supportyourway.ca and Respiteservices.com is a convenient way for families and Direct Support Providers to find a match that works for both parties. Family Respite Services plays an active role in assisting families and Direct Support Providers to use this tool.
For more information about this tool in contact Shannon: 519 972 9688 ext 136.
