If you are the parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, and you have found it difficult to get some time away just for yourself because you could not afford the cost of respite* care, the Oklahoma Respite Resource Network’s Respite Voucher Program may be able to help.

Respite vouchers are available based on the availability of funds through the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, the Family Support Services Division and the Division of Children & Family Services.

Respite vouchers for $400 are available for households with annual taxable incomes of $45,000 or less, and $300 for annual taxable incomes of between $45,000 and $60,000.

These vouchers are available for parents of children with developmental disabilities, parents of an adopted child in the first year after the adoption is finalized if it will help prevent disruption, grandparents who are age 60 and over raising grandchildren, and children receiving SSI in the Disabled Children’s Program (DCP). Vouchers may also be available for two parent families who do not meet all of the requirements listed above.

Vouchers may be used to reimburse providers of respite services. The provider can be anyone of the parent’s choice. Providers may be other family members or friends, neighbors or an agency. The provider must be 18 years of age and not living in the child’s home.

For applications and further information, contact OASIS at 800-426-2747 or 405/ 271-6302.


*respite is a break from full time care giving

last modified: October 2004