RESPITE CARE TRAINING
About Respite Care
Foster parents face unique challenges due to the stress of caring for vulnerable children. To help prevent burnout, Agape Ranch partners with the Department of Family and Protective Services and local Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) in the Coastal Bend. Together, we provide support by offering trainings to certify individuals as Respite Care Providers.
Respite Care Training is only available to those living in the Coastal Bend of Texas to care for children in foster care.
Once certified, Respite Care Providers offer temporary childcare for foster children, giving foster parents the opportunity to:
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Go on date nights
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Attend personal medical appointments
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Take vacations
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Visit out-of-state family
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Simply take a break
Respite Care Providers can choose to care for foster children:
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Overnight in their own home
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For a few hours at the foster family's home
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At Agape Ranch events
These providers play a crucial role as frontline volunteers, directly impacting local foster families by stepping in to offer temporary care.
Annual Trainings:
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February 1, 2025
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June 21, 2025
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October 11, 2025
For more information about becoming respite certified, please email Christina Jinsky at christina@agaperanch.org.
Are you interested in becoming a Respite Care Provider?
STEP 1: Register
Complete your registration. Details will be provided after registration.
STEP 2: Complete Online Pre-Training Requirements
Complete the registration checklist and submit required items 5 business days before training. Need help? Contact Christina at christina@agaperanch.org.
STEP 3: Attend In-Person Training
Training is typically scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Specific details will be sent after registration.
STEP 4: Complete Background Check
After training, a code will be sent to you to go and have your fingerprint background check completed. A basic background check along with a DFPS background check will also be completed.
STEP 5: Receive Casebook Login
After registering, Christina will provide you with login details for Casebook, our secure portal to manage your respite file.
STEP 6: Complete TB testing
Provide proof of a negative TB test or if, approved, a note from your primary care physician in lieu of the TB test.
STEP 7: Home Care Requirements (if applicable)
If providing care in your home, complete the environment and fire inspections with our DFPS liaison. Contact Christina at christina@agaperanch.org to schedule your inspection.
STEP 8: Respite File Review
Once all steps are completed, your file will be reviewed, and you'll receive your certification as a Respite Care Provider.
