Webinar: Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network

Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network
A community of caregiving rooted in shared experience

The Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network was developed by a parent of a child with a disability. C2C is funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds though a special state respite initiative, and is a program of the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Massachusetts. The network is composed of families of children and youth with disabilities and specialized support needs ages 0-26 who agree to both give and receive respite. Caregivers in these families may include parents, foster parents, grandparents or older siblings who have custody of a younger brother or sister who apply to join. The program then matches them with another family member to share respite based on: the child’s medical and support needs, where the family lives, and language and cultural identities and preferences.

The webinar presenters will discuss the extensive planning process they undertook for implementation, the essential components of the respite opportunity based on reciprocity, and the match process that combines best practices from Parent to Parent USA, feedback from professional partners, as well as wishes and concerns expressed by caregivers. They will also share how they are working to engage diverse families and caregivers.

Visit the website to learn more and watch the welcome video available in six languages.  Read more about the MA Respite Innovations Grant Program.

PRESENTERS

Elizabeth Bostic, a parent of a young adult with a disability, and Assistant Director, Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs, MA Department of Public Health

Valeryia Pedersen, Director, Caregiver to Caregiver/C2C Respite Network, MA Federation for Children with Special Needs