Volunteers needed for Certified Respite Provider program

Luther associate professor of social work Britt Rhodes

A program that provides Northeast Iowa foster parents with some time off has a new service area and a need for more volunteers.

Respite Options of Northeast Iowa provides foster parents with an in-home certified care provider, enabling them to get away for a day, weekend or vacation. Previously, they had to leave their children in another foster home.

The program has partnered with the Luther College Social Work Program and Luther associate professor of social work Britt Rhodes to conduct the background studies for each applicant. Luther students have also been involved as respite foster care providers along with other community members in northeast Iowa.

The program, which started in Bremer, Butler, Franklin and Grundy counties, has expanded into Howard, Allamakee, Winneshiek, Clayton, Chickasaw and Fayette counties.  Now the program is hoping to attract even more college students and other interested adults as providers.

Providers must be at least 20 years old, complete an application and certification process, and be able to make a one-year commitment to the program. This is not a paid position, but respite providers do receive a small stipend and help with mileage costs when they travel to do respite care.
                                                                       
Training is offered in Decorah and Dubuque, beginning in February. The program has trained 46 volunteers, including college students, former foster parents and adult children of foster families.

If you are interested in becoming a certified respite provider, contact Nancy Magnall, (877) 467-4100, (319) 352-3600 or magnall_ifapa@msn.com.