About Us

respiteservices.com/ CHAP (Community Helpers for Active Participation) is comprised of agencies funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. We are collaborating to develop a more dynamic respite network for both children and adults in York Region.  

Mission

“respiteservices.com working together to facilitate respite options that empower individuals with differing abilities and their families to lead active and rewarding lives.”

 Vision

1. To develop a comprehensive respite system in York Region.
2. To develop and maintain a coherent access process for families of children and adults requiring respite or support options.
3. To facilitate respite options for individuals that match their identified needs.
4. To work closely with service providers to advocate for appropriate service options to meet the needs identified.

Respite care is a family support service that promotes active living and provides temporary relief from the physical and emotional demands involved in caring for a family member who has a disability*. Respite creates greater opportunities for all family members to live actively and participate in community activities and allows parents/guardians time for themselves.

Respite Access Facilitator

There is a Respite Access Facilitator for the York Region arm of respiteservices.com.  They assist families in developing a respite plan to meet the needs of their children with developmental disabilities. They will provide families with information on respite services available within York Region. Short-term coordination will be provided in order to overcome barriers to respite for these individuals.

CHAP Program

The CHAP (Community Helpers for Active Participation) Program is an integral part of respiteservices.com.  The York Region division of CHAP is administered through York Support Services Network. The York Region CHAP Coordinator aims to recruit a large base of direct respite support workers* interested in supporting persons with a disability** to provide meaningful respite opportunities through community based options. Families are able to connect with provider candidates to fulfill Special Services At Home or Passport contracts and agencies are able to access provider candidates to enable individuals to participate in community based respite opportunities.

*Direct respite support workers are considered independent contractors and are not employees of the CHAP Program

**Includes children who have a developmental disability or a physical disability, and adults who have a developmental disability deemed eligible through DSO.