Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a consent that you require me to fill out from the caregiver prior to applying for funds?

The Halton Respite Approval Committee does not require a consent as the recipients of information; however you are required as a service provider to have your client complete your own agencies consent forms giving you permission to share their information with the Halton Respite Approval Committee in order to apply for respite funds.  You are not required to provide the consent to the Committee when you complete the application; however you are asked to check off if you have received consent to share information on the actual application.

Where can I find a worker?

Service Providers can connect with other service providers in the community to enquire if they have workers that have been successful in the past.  We also encourage service providers to support families to sign up with respiteservices.com which is a web-based pool of respite workers who have been screened by Halton Support Services prior to being listed on the website.  Halton Support Services has expanded the skill set of these service providers to include those with experience working with children who have mental health struggles.  The website has parents set up a profile which includes listing what their child's needs are and then matches them with workers.  It would be the families' responsibility to connect with those workers to see if they want to hire them to complete the contract.  Families can also connect with a Halton Support Services Respite Coordinator and request specific support to sign up and be matched with a worker should they require that type of assistance.  If you are still struggling to find a worker then you can also connect with Michelle Whalen, Halton Respite Approval Committee Chair for assistance.

How does the contracted worker receive payment?

The contracted worker will need to make arrangements with the family regarding how they would like to receive payment.  The family could arrange to pre-pay the contracted worker for services and then be reimbursed themselves from the funds they are paid from ROCK.  The family could also arrange to pay the contracted worker once they (the family) submit the invoice to ROCK and receive payment.  Either way is suitable however, it is up to the family and the contracted worker to arrange payment at the beginning of the contract.

How does the family find a worker to complete the respite hours?

The responsibility to support families in finding a worker lies with the service provider that completed the respite application for funds.  Families should not be left without options for contract workers.  If service providers are struggling to find an appropriate match they can connect with Michelle Whalen (Chair of the Respite Approval Committee) for further ideas.  It is important however, to keep in mind when service providers are completing applications that the "client" (child/youth) is willing to engage with a respite worker, and is able to be managed by a respite worker safely either in the community or family home.

Why do I have to contact ROCK"s Intake department to register a client?

ROCK is required to report all clients served by respite funding to MCYS, in order to do this we require specific client information that cannot be provided through the electronic application process due to PHIPA legislation.  ROCK also requires parent/guardian information in order to process payment to families when invoices are sent to the agency.  These reasons are why funds cannot move forward with approval until service providers complete the step of contacting ROCK's Intake department.

Why are their now expiry dates for funds approved?

Historically there have been an unnecessary amount of funds that have gone unused each fiscal year due to families having the entire year to use their approved funds.  Having expiry dates allows better tracking and more equitable use of the funds for the community.

What happens if a family has not been able to use their funds by the expiry date?

There may be circumstances in which families have not been able to use their funds by the expiry date provided.  In these circumstances either families or the service provider involved can contact Michelle Whalen (Chair of the Halton Respite Funds Approval Committee) to request and extension.  Funds cannot be extended past the fiscal year they were approved (end of March deadline).

What if paying a family directly doesn't fit the situation?

There may be circumstances in which providing payment through the parent/caregiver is not the best option.  During these times we have the ability to contract with an agency for payment.  This would include direct payment to camps or contracting a staff person to fill a contract from a contracting agency such as Woodview Mental Health Services, Cornerstone Youth Services and/or other staffing agencies in the area.  Keep in mind that the rate per hour is higher than $18 and this could affect the amount of hours that the client is approved due to cost.  It would be up to the service provider completing the contract to connect with the contracting agency to setup workers and also provide the approval letter.

**VERY IMPORTANT**

It is the responsibility of the service provider submitting the initial application to state int he application if they are requesting this type of payment agreement.  This requires the initial approval letters and contract to be between the contracting agency and not the caregiver.