Children & Youth: Low-cost or Free Respite Care

Easter Seals Washington: a statewide organization that serves adults and children who have special needs. 800.678.5708. Respite programs include camps and family retreats.

WA State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA): Serves children and adults who have an intellectual or developmental disability.

Informing Families is a user-friendly website from the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council in partnership with DDA.

To learn about eligibility for  services like personal care and respite from DDA, visit the DDA Services page at Informing Families

Crisis Nurseries: Crisis nurseries offer a safe, stable place for children. It’s a free service available to parents who have stress due to parenting, illness, domestic violence, homelessness and other crisis situations. Children age 6 and under can use a crisis nursery. Visit the “Other Child Care Programs” page at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families to learn more about, and locate crisis nurseries which may be in your area.

Lifespan Respite Voucher program – a federally funded grant to meet planned (not crisis) respite needs for unserved and unpaid family caregivers. Respite for caregivers is provided through respite provider agencies, versus individual providers.

Military Family Respite

Exceptional Family Member Program: Provides all four military branches with care and respite support for families with a member who has a special need or disability.

Coast Guard Special Needs Program: provides Coast Guard family members who have special needs or a disability with care and support.

Your branch of service may have branch-specific resources for respite. Contact the Exceptional Family Member Family Support Office at your nearest installation or Coast Guard Special Needs Program by phone or email.