Information

New Criteria for Respite

These changes are to become effective August 1, 2009, or after 30 day* notice is given by the Regional Centers (*being recommended by DDS). TCRC has set October 1, 2009 as the effective date to implement these changes.

1.   Respite hours will only be authorized when the client requires more care and supervision than an individual of the same age without a developmental disability.

2.   In-home respite will be limited to 90 hours per quarter (30 hours per month). An exception may be granted under the following circumstances. 

a)   The intensity of the client’s care and supervision needs are such that additional respite is necessary to keep the client living at home.

b)   There is an extraordinary event that impacts the family member’s ability to meet the care and supervision needs of the client.

3.   Regional Centers cannot purchase day care services to replace respite. 

Regional Centers are no longer allowed to fund services that are not considered federally mandated. Respite services are considered federally mandated only if its use is related to a client's developmental disability (to attend classes, trainings, etc.). Families of "at risk" or developmentally disabled infant(s) and/or toddler(s) may no longer qualify for respite services when the respite need is not related to the developmental disability.

If your Regional Center wants to change your services, it must hold an IFSP meeting. If you do not agree with their changes to your child's services at the IFSP meeting, your Regional Center must give you a 30 day written notice of its decision before the change can become effective. If you request a hearing during those 30 days it must be completed within 60 days. Your child will continue to receive the disputed service(s) during that time.

 
6/1/09 - The state is still facing the worst budget crisis in its history. Deficit projections are at the $24 billion dollar level and the additional 7% funding cut is expected to be instituted in September. This will mean another pay rate cut for workers, but the exact amount is yet to be determined, depending on how the state calculates the decrease.

5/4/09 - With all the funding rumors swirling around, it may become necessary to limit the number of hours used each month to the number authorized starting with the new fiscal year on July 1, 2009. Since workers are paid in advance of our reimburement, we do not have a way of maintaining a large enough reserve to continue paying a substantial numbers of hours.

2/23/09 - The 3% cut to Regional Center services, including respite, was part of the revised state budget and is retroactive to February 1, 2009. This means an across the board cut of $0.25 per hour and mileage reimbursement will change to $0.49 for all respite workers. These new rates will be reflected in the March 4th paychecks. 

2/2/09 - It's doubtful respite services will go unscathed in the current budget discussions. At best,
we're expecting a 3% cut to our cost rate. Unfortunately, this will mean a twenty-five cent per hour rate decrease for respite workers. That means the lowest pay rate would still be $9.75/hour. Because no decisions have been made in Sacramento at present, pay rates will remain the same for the time being. Updated information will be included on this webpage as received.

The 2009 Changes and Reminders letter, payroll schedule and new timesheets were mailed to all active respite workers on January 3rd. Paydays are every other Wednesday, with timesheets due by noonthe Monday before. Unfortunately, payroll takes time and there just isn't enough after the Monday noon deadline to include more. To avoid a delay in processing forms and timesheets, please use the Respite, Inc. office nearest you. Paperwork, including timesheets, can be delivered or faxed to any office during or outside of business hours, including holidays and weekends.