Caregiver Support Services (CSS) provides respite care for families raising children with disabilities or other challenges that may place additional demands on their caregivers.

Respite care offers parents and caregivers short-term childcare and temporary relief, helping strengthen family relationships and improve overall family well-being.

Benefits of Respite Care

• Improves relationships among caregivers, children and siblings

• Reduces parent and caregiver stress

• Provides time to focus on personal and family goals

• Helps maintain a healthy family environment

Who Is Eligible?

Services are available to parents or caregivers providing full-time care for:

• A child from birth through age 14 living in Pinellas County

• A child from birth through age 18 living in Hillsborough County

The child may have:

• A physical disability

• Social-emotional challenges

• Developmental delays or disabilities

• An underlying medical condition, provided the child is considered medically stable and does not require medical care during respite services

Families experiencing an acute or situational stressor that is placing strain on the family may also qualify.

Cost and Availability

• Services are provided at no charge.

• Flexible hours are available, including evenings and weekends.