Respite care offers temporary relief for primary caregivers of individuals with developmental or functional disabilities. In Maryland, several programs are available to support families in need of this crucial service. This guide provides an overview of respite care options funded by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Maryland.
DDA Funded Respite Care in Maryland
For Maryland residents receiving DDA funding through a Service Funding Plan, respite care can be an integral part of their support system. If respite services are not currently included in an individual’s plan, their service coordinator can easily submit a “Request for Service Change” to the DDA to have it added. The amount of respite care, including the number of hours and specific types of support, is determined by the unique needs of the individual and their family.
It’s important to note that DDA funds are governed by federal waiver regulations, which may place certain restrictions on who can be compensated for providing respite care services. For detailed information regarding DDA-funded respite support and eligible providers, it is recommended to consult with your Coordinator of Community Services. They can provide specific guidance based on your individual circumstances and the latest DDA guidelines for Maryland Respite Care Program.
DHS Funded Respite Care Programs in Maryland
The Department of Human Services (DHS) also offers respite care support through the DHS Respite Grant program. This program is designed to assist families who are not currently receiving DDA waiver funding and have a family member with developmental or functional disabilities. The DHS Respite Grant program represents another avenue for accessing maryland respite care program options.
Application Submission Details:
To apply for the DHS Respite Grant, please note the following jurisdiction-specific submission guidelines:
- Baltimore County Residents: Applications must be submitted exclusively via mail. Applications sent through any other method will be rejected and returned to the sender.
- Baltimore City Residents: Applicants residing in Baltimore City can submit their applications through email, mail, or fax, offering more flexible submission options.
- Complete Applications Required: For both Baltimore City and Baltimore County, only applications that are fully completed and include all necessary supporting documentation will be considered for processing.
- Processing Time: Complete applications, with all required documents attached, will be processed within approximately 30 days of receipt.
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For the DHS Respite Application form, please use the provided link: DHS Respite Application. Ensure you are using the most current application form available.
Agency Contacts for DHS Respite Care Program:
For specific inquiries regarding the DHS Respite Grant program, please contact the following individuals:
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Naomi Duffort
Program Specialist, Respite Care and Project Home
Office of Adult Services Social Services Administration
[email protected]
410-767-7422 -
Baltimore City: Mr. Willis Hall
443-423-7864
[email protected] -
Baltimore County: Ms. Yetunde Olobatuyi
410-853-3595
[email protected]
These contacts are valuable resources for anyone seeking maryland respite care program information and application assistance.
Conclusion
Navigating respite care options in Maryland can seem complex, but resources are available to assist families. Whether through DDA Service Funding Plans or DHS Respite Grants, maryland respite care program support aims to provide essential breaks for caregivers and enhance the well-being of individuals with disabilities. Reaching out to the listed agency contacts or your service coordinator is the first step to accessing the respite care your family may need.
