Direct Support Provider Registration

**PLEASE NOTE: Provider screening has been placed on hold and will resume in April 2025. Any applications received will be held for review at that time.

Note: The following pertains to the Children's Sector only (0-18). Please be sure to read all information carefully prior to completing the registration form.

The supportyourway.ca/respiteservices.com Support Provider Database is a provincial program designed to assist with connecting families with a registered Direct Support Provider. The Support Provider Database promotes active living for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and/or physical disabilities. Services may be provided in the family's own home or out in the community.

The program's goal is to register local respite providers who are interested in supporting people to participate fully in their community, assist with life and social skill development, and provide caregiver relief. Direct Support Providers who complete the registration process are eligible to post a Classified Ad on our website for families seeking a respite provider. People registered in the Support Provider Database create a profile that is shared with families seeking support.

Note: Direct Support Providers are not employees of the supportyourway.ca Support Provider Database or of the Children's Community Network. It is the responsibility of the family and the Direct Support Provider to determine if they are entering an employer/employee relationship or a contracted service arrangement.

You can learn more about how a Respite Provider might be characterized by visiting the following websites:

• Government of Canada - Employee or Self-Employed Guide

• Government of Canada - Determining the Employee/Employer Relationship

• Ontario Ministry of Labour - Employee Status Guide

What are people looking for in a respite provider?

• Reliable, professional people to provide quality service
• Safe, stimulating, and recreational support in the family's home and/or in the community
• Support provided according to the individual's needs and interests
• Facilitated inclusion and a positive role model

How is my rate of pay determined?
Rates are negotiated between the respite provider and the family who is seeking support. It is important to consider the level of support required, your own skills and experience, and the type of support the family/individual is requesting. Here are some things to consider while negotiating your fee:

• The average respite provider fees in the Sudbury & Manitoulin District range from minimum wage to $25/hr.
• Families/Individuals may be willing to negotiate a higher wage if they feel the support and service they are looking for justifies a higher rate.
• Additional expenses such as fuel reimbursement, activity/recreation costs should also be negotiated at the time of completing a service agreement or employee contract.

*Please note that some families/individuals may be involved with a specific funding program that has guidelines for the use of their funds. It is important to discuss this to ensure you are aware of what types of supports and expenses are permitted by different funding programs. It is advised to ensure all plans for supports and services are agreed to by all parties prior to performing them to ensure they meet all guidelines and budgets.

Please visit our FAQ section for more commonly asked questions.

Registration Requirements:

• 18 years or older
• A clear Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector) Criminal Record Check (current within 6 months) from your local police station. For individuals in Greater Sudbury, please click here. 
• A current resume
• 3 professional references
• Complete a screening questionaire with the Respite Resource Coordinator
• Attend an orientation session

If you are interested in becoming a Direct Support Provider, please complete a registration in one of two ways:

1. Through the Online Respite Provider Registration
2. By mail or by fax.

If you would prefer to submit the forms by mail or fax, please print the following forms:

• Respite Provider Application
• Respite Provider Agreement & Release
• Respite Provider Consent Form
• Respite Provider Acknowledgement of Information
• Respite Provider Conduct & Expectations 

Please Note: You must submit all five forms, along with your resume in order for your application to be processed.

Completed forms can be mailed to:
Support Provider Database
430 Westmount Ave, Unit C
Sudbury, ON P3A 5Z8
Fax: 521-7376

Your completed application and resume will be reviewed by the Respite Resource Coordinator and suitable individuals will be contacted.

For more information, please contact the Respite Resource Coordinator at (705) 566-3416 ext. 2210 or by email.