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Children’s Respite Services provides funding resources to support parents, guardians, and/or caregivers of school-aged children and youth (up to the age of 18) with developmental (IQ below 70) or physical disabilities in achieving a time of renewal outside of their day-to-day duties.
Important Update from Catulpa Community SupportServices
As part of Catulpa Community Support Services' commitment to keeping you informed, we want to provide an important update regarding the future of the RespiteServices.com/SupportYourWay.ca website.
Unfortunately, as of April 1st, 2025, this site will no longer be operational. The Geneva Centre for Autism, which has hosted the site since its launch, has made the difficult decision to conclude its role in maintaining this service. We understand that this site has been an essential tool for those seeking and providing direct support in Ontario, and we want to assure you that efforts are underway to identify an alternative solution to support families across the province. Please note that we will continue to update you on these efforts as they progress.
If you are currently using this service through Catulpa, please reach out directly to the appropriate contact listed below for further information and guidance regarding community-based support options.
Children’s Services
Whitney Moore, Children's Services Intake, Respite and Program Assistant
wmoore@catulpa.on.ca | (705) 733-3227Ext. 2335
Adult Services
Angie Bridekirk, Direct Support Facilitator in Adult Services
abridekirk@catulpa.on.ca |(705) 733-3227 Ext. 2235
Your privacy remains our top priority, and any personal information you haves hared will continue to be protected and confidential.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we navigate these changes.
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Children’s Respite Services provides funding resources to support parents, guardians, and/or caregivers of school-aged children and youth (up to the age of 18) with developmental (IQ below 70) or physical disabilities in achieving a time of renewal outside of their day-to-day duties. During this time, their child or youth is afforded the opportunity to socialize with others, learn, and participate in recreational activities.
Respite plays a vital role in the maintenance of positive physical and mental health for the caregiver and in sustaining positive relationships between caregivers and those they support.
Up to $2,000.00 in funding per family can be allocated based on need.
Respite care can be arranged in the family home, a care provider home, or in a community setting.
Support Provided Through The Program:
Catulpa Community Support Services’ Children’s Respite Services are available to families residing in Orillia, Midland, Collingwood, Alliston, and surrounding areas who have a school-age child (up to 18 years of age) with a confirmed diagnosis of a developmental (IQ below 70) or physical disability.
Funding is provided by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. There is no fee for this service.
The program takes other funds received by your family for respite care into consideration. In some cases, funding may not be immediately available, and it may be necessary for you to be placed on a waitlist for services. We will notify you if this is the case.
A Renewal Application and Family Respite Plan must be completed each year by families receiving funding.
To access Children’s Respite Services. Parents, guardians, and/or professional support caregivers (with consent) may apply for Children’s Respite Services funding. New applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
To download an application for Children’s Respite Services, click HERE.
Please complete the Children’s Respite Program Funding Application below. Include confirmation of diagnosis from a medical professional and mail to:
Catulpa Community Support Services
165 Ferris Lane, Barrie ON L4M 2Y1
Attn: Children’s Respite Program Coordinator
Following Funding Approval:
In Simcoe County, www.supportyourway.ca allows families requiring respite services to complete a profile so local Direct Support Providers (DSPs) can be best matched to your needs. Please note that DSPs are self-employed and are not pre-screened by Catulpa Community Support Services.
Once funding is in place, families can contact a chosen DSP directly to arrange for supports on a fee-per-service basis. Your first contact with a DSP should include a discussion about availability, qualifications, and any specific skills required for your child. We recommend you follow this initial discussion with a face-to-face meeting to discuss duties, care needs, and any safety concerns. Remember to discuss your child’s goals and interests. Determine schedules, availability, rate of pay, and expenses.
A written agreement is recommended. If you are unsure if you want to commit to a long-term schedule, we recommend trying one or two visits and reassessing at that time.
