Respite care is short-term or temporary care. It's designed to provide a break for parents and carers of children who need a high level of ongoing care, attention and support.
The Department for Education operates a respite care program that provides home- and community-based respite care services for families with children with disabilities.
Where and when care is provided
Care can be provided:
- at the family home
- as a centre-based service
- in the home of an approved carer.
Care can take place during the day, evening, weekend, on a regular basis or in blocks of time.
Eligibility
Parents with children under 18 years of age who meet the access requirements can receive funded support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Arranging respite care
The Department for Education's respite care program is a registered provider with the NDIS.
For more information about the respite care program, contact the department's respite care program coordinator:
- phone: 8416 7414
- email: education.RCPAdmin@sa.gov.au.
The NDIS website lists other services available in your area.
Fees
There are no fees for respite care services if it’s funded in the child’s NDIS plan.
Related information
Contacts
- Telephone Interpreter Service - 131 450
- Family Advocacy and Support Service SA - 8111 5300
- Disability Advocacy & Complaints Service of SA - 7122 6030
- Disability Rights Advocacy Service Inc - 8351 9500
- The Aged Rights Advocacy Service (if you are an aged person caring for a child) - 8232 5377 or freecall 1800 700 600
- National Relay Service (for those with a hearing impairment) - 1800 555 660
- Ombudsman SA - 8226 8699
