What is Adoption Respite?

Respite care provides adoptive parents with a break from the constant demands of caring for their special needs adopted child (children). It may be used for planned activities or emergency situations.

Who is eligible for Adoption Respite?

Adoption Respite is a service available to adoptive families for their subsidized adopted child (children).  Each adopted child who is subsidized is eligible for 5 days of respite service per fiscal year at $15 per day.  Adoption Respite is ONLY available to adopted children who receive adoption subsidy.

How is Respite Accessed?

• Each child is eligible for 5 days per year (July 1 - June 30)

• When respite is needed, the adoptive parent selects their own respite provider, and makes necessary arrangements. To receive payment, provider must be an adult (over age 18).

• After respite care is provided, an Adoption Respite Billing Form (click here for form) is completed and signed by the Adoptive Parent and is also signed by the provider.

• Completed billing form (pages 1 and 2 - white and yellow copies of original form) is submitted to the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

• Adoptive parent keeps page 3 (pink copy).

• Payment will be made to the provider.

• Provider will receive page 2 (yellow copy) of the Adoption Respite Billing Form with payment.

• Payment will be made within 5 working days of IFAPA's receipt of the completed billing form.

• Payments to providers for this program are contingent upon continued Adoption Respite Program funding from DHS.

Who do we contact for more information?

You may contact both the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA) and your adoption worker who handles your adoption subsidy case, for more information. IFAPA is responsible only for the payment of respite - not in locating providers.

Where do we receive additional Respite Billing Forms?

Contact IFAPA (Phyllis) at 800-277-8145, ext. 165 or 515-289-4567, ext. 165, ppierce@ifapa.org.