RESPITE CARE PROGRAM
About Respite Care Program
The Agape Ranch Respite Care Program serves foster families across the Coastal Bend of Texas. At Agape Ranch, we believe that supporting foster families means providing intentional breaks that allow foster parents to recharge, attend important events, or simply take a night off.
Our Respite Care Program is designed to meet that need by connecting families with compassionate, certified providers who care for foster children in safe and nurturing environments. We are honored to walk alongside these families, providing consistent and meaningful support that helps them thrive.
What We Offer:
We certify respite care providers who can support foster families in the following ways:
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Date Nights
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Weekend Getaways
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Out of Town or Out of State Travel
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Graduations or Special Events
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Extended Care (up to 14 days)
Respite care can take place in two settings:
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In the Foster Family’s Home – to maintain the child’s routine and comfort.
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In a Certified Respite Provider’s Home – a loving, approved home environment for children ages birth to 18.
Please Note:
Agape Ranch respite care providers are certified to care only for foster children. Any adopted or biological children in the home will need to have their own babysitter or alternate accommodations arranged during the respite period.
Agape Ranch respite care providers are certified to care for basic and moderate level of care.
Respite requests may not be submitted within the first 30 days of receiving a new placement in the foster home.
After a child has participated in respite care, the foster family may not use respite care again for the next 30 days.
Respite reimbursement will be offered to the Respite Care Provider.
All respite providers complete Agape Ranch certification and meet both state and organizational standards for safety and quality care.
How It Works
If you are a Child Placing Agency (CPA) requesting respite for a foster family, we kindly ask for at least two weeks’ notice to allow time to find the best match for your request.
To Begin the Process (for Child Placing Agency Case Workers):
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Download and complete the Respite Care Request Form.
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Submit the completed form to Kim Morales, Program Manager at Agape Ranch via email: kim@agaperanch.org.
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Agape Ranch will notify our pool of certified respite providers and work to fulfill the request.
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Once a match is confirmed, all parties will receive details to connect and prepare for the respite period.
Please reach out to Kim Morales, Program Manager who runs our Respite Care Program, with any questions or additional information at kim@agaperanch.org.
Are you interested in becoming a Respite Care Provider?
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.
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 28, 2026
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August 29, 2026
For more information about becoming respite certified, please email Kim Morales at kim@agaperanch.org
STEPS TO BECOME A RESPITE CARE PROVIDER
STEP 1: Apply to Our Respite Care Provider Program
Apply to join our respite care team! Details about the process 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 kim@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 kim@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.
