On January 29, 2020, OCFS posted proposed Host Homes regulations for public comment. The regulations would allow the organization Safe Families for Children (and other approved agencies) to operate overnight respite care in New York State.
Expansion of voluntary, temporary respite options for vulnerable parents is something that Rise supports in concept. That said, we were alarmed in reviewing the regulations to see a picture of respite provision that is out of sync with parents’ self-identified needs. We oppose these regulations and ask OFCS not to approve them. Instead, we urge OCFS to develop a process to hear directly from parents, youth and community advocates to learn more about parents’ needs and develop a model that better meets them.
