The Community Respite Network (CRN) assists children with disabilities and their families who live in the Calgary Rocky View area to explore and secure community-based respite opportunities according to each family's support needs and desires.

The Benefits

	Families are in complete control of the respite relationship;
	Respite care can be offered both in or out of your home - your choice;
	Respite providers can be located in your own community if you choose;
	No cost to you to find the right match for your family;
	DDRC provides as much or as little support as you need or want; and
	The opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with your respite provider that offers consistency and familiarity between your family and the provider.

The Process

Through discussion between a DDRC Community Respite Facilitator and the family or caregiver, support needs are identified. Together, DDRC and the family can explore many different respite options. DDRC will assist with the process of finding the right match as much or as little as each family desires. Ultimately, the family and the respite provider decide whether or not to pursue the relationship. Respite providers are not employees of DDRC and following a match, DDRC steps aside and payment for respite is provided directly from the family to the provider.

Cost

DDRC does not charge for the service of finding the best respite provider for your family. Families are responsible, however, for the cost of the respite care they receive from the provider chosen. DDRC can assist families in accessing funding if required.

For more information: Please contact DDRC's Central Intake at (403) 240-7331, or jackip@ddrcc.com

"I am so fortunate to have met all the folks at DDRC who have introduced me to a whole new world of work and opportunity. Through DDRC I have met so many amazing children and families: an entire family who treats me like one of their own and children who have taught me so much. From the staff to the parents to the children with whom I work, each member of the respite community has helped me become a happier and more knowledgeable person. I can honestly say that respite work has helped me to be a better person and I would recommend it to anyone."

- Emily Kreiberg, respite provider

The Resources to Support Independence in the Community Booklet

The Resources to Support Independence in the Community booklet has been developed as a resource for families who have a child with a disability. It contains information that will provide a starting point to assist you in accessing the resources you need to raise your child(ren).

The cost of the booklet is $15.00 (including postage). To order your copy, please contact Sandra at 253-7498, or the CRN team via email at crnteam@ddrcc.com.