Children's Long-Term Support Program and Child Welfare Use of Respite Care

This memo provides guidance for the use of respite care when children are receiving services through the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program and the child welfare system (child protective services and youth justice). While each system shapes its use of respite, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families recognize the need for and importance of collaboration when children are accessing both systems of care. To ensure child safety, well-being and permanency, alignment, and consistency in the intent and operational use of respite is necessary.