The Support Provider Database facilitates the connection between families of children and youth with disabilities and Direct Support Providers in the Sudbury & Manitoulin region. Families complete a profile of their child’s needs and the Respite Resource Coordinator provides them with profiles of pre-screened Direct Support Providers. It is then up to the family to do their own screening, interviewing and subsequent hiring/contracting if the provider meets their needs.

Simply complete and submit the Family Registration Package. Visit the Family Registration page for more information and to download a copy of the registration package.

After you register, you may receive a phone call from the Respite Resource Coordinator to clarify the information in your registration package. Alternatively, the Coordinator may email you directly with several Direct Support Provider profiles and the Family Information Package, which contains detailed information re: interviewing and hiring/contracting your respite provider, a sample contract, and more.

No, Direct Support Providers are not employees of the Support Provider Database nor the Children’s Community Network. We facilitate the connection between families and Direct Support Providers and the families independently decide whether to hire or contract a provider.

No. Your privacy is very important to us, therefore your profile is never made available to providers. It is only viewed by the Respite Resource Coordinator as needed to match you with available providers in your area.

Direct Support Providers supply a resume and Police Vulnerable Sector Check, complete a screening questionnaire, sign an oath of confidentiality, and attend an orientation session facilitated by the Respite Resource Coordinator. The Coordinator also speaks with three of their references before finalizing their registration with the Support Provider Database. Direct Support Providers have a range of backgrounds, qualifications, and skills which are detailed on their profiles.

Although Direct Support Providers are screened before being added to the Support Provider Database, it is always recommended that families screen providers to their own satisfaction prior to working with them. This may include conducting their own interview, verifying references directly, and requesting an updated Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

When families hire/contract the services of a respite provider it is important to understand the status of the working relationship they are entering into. The Government of Canada’s Determining the Employee/Employer Relationship guide may provide some insight, or you may wish to seek legal counsel to help make the determination.

The appropriate rate of pay varies and is negotiated between the family and the respite provider. It is typically dependent on the needs of the child/youth and the duties and responsibilities of the provider. For example, if they are mainly providing companionship we would expect the rate of pay to be lower than that of someone who is providing personal care, such as bathing and feeding, and/or intensive behavioural support. For extended periods of respite, including overnights, families are encouraged to negotiate a flat rate with their provider.

Direct Support Providers are paid by the family, either out-of-pocket or with respite funding such as Special Services at Home or Direct Funded Respite.

This information can be found on the Direct Support Provider’s profile. It is recommended that you confirm that your respite provider has suitable liability coverage included with their vehicle insurance if the use of their vehicle is a requirement for you.

Absolutely! Many families work with multiple respite providers to better suit their schedules and to better meet their needs.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Respite Resource Coordinator by email or at (705) 566-3416.