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.

Direct Support Providers have a range of skills and educational backgrounds. Whether your qualifications meet a family’s needs is ultimately determined by the family who may choose to work with you. Any specialized certification and training, such as First Aid/CPR and ABA is considered an asset.

While not required, respite providers with a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle may have more opportunities to be matched with families. Ultimately, it is up to the family to decide whether transportation in a vehicle will be required when providing support.

The first step in the screening process is completing the Provider Registration Package. Once received, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete a screening questionnaire. You will be required to provide a resume, at least 3 references, and a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check current within 6 months. Lastly, you will be required to attend a program orientation session to finalize your registration with the Support Provider Database.

The amount of time required to meet all screening requirements varies significantly, from a week to a month or more, depending on multiple factors. A provider who is motivated to complete the required steps and provide the required information as soon as possible should not experience delays in becoming registered with the Support Provider Database. The verification of references can also cause delays, therefore be sure to advise your references that they will be contacted.

The total number of hours that you can anticipate depends entirely on the family(ies) that you are working with. Working with multiple families will increase your total number of hours.  The rate of pay also varies and is negotiated between yourself and the family – it is typically dependent on the needs of the child/youth and the duties and responsibilities of the provider.

Reimbursement of mileage and other out-of-pocket expenses is negotiated between the Direct Support Provider and the family. Providers should always establish a clear understanding of how these expenses are to be reimbursed prior to providing support and incurring any expenses.

The Children’s Community Network provides respite funding to hundreds of families of children and youth with disabilities in our region. The need for respite is ongoing and we are looking for qualified, committed, and reliable respite providers to add to our Support Provider Database.

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