A program that provides Northeast Iowa foster parents with some time off has a new service area and a need for more volunteers.

Respite Options of Northeast Iowa provides foster parents with an in-home certified care provider enabling them to get away for a day, weekend or vacation. Previously, they had to leave their children in another foster home.

For Kathie Novy, a Denver foster mom, the program established by the Wartburg College social work department and the Allison Area Foster Parent Association has worked “beautifully.”

“We’ve used the program for a day here or there and a couple of times in an emergency,” Novy said. “It helps relieve stress and allows us to do things we could not do with the kids along.”

The program, which started in Bremer, Butler, Franklin and Grundy counties, expanded last year into Howard, Allamakee, Winneshiek, Clayton, Chickasaw and Fayette counties. Respite Options now offers services in Delaware, Dubuque and Buchanan counties and needs more respite providers.

The program expansions — including partnerships with the Luther and Loras colleges social work departments — are funded through a $25,000 contract with the Iowa Department of Human Services.

“We need a wider circle of providers, and we’re hoping to attract even more college students and other interested adults,” said Nancy Magnall, resource information specialist with the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

Providers must be at least 20 years old, complete an application and certification process, and be able to make a one-year commitment to the program.  While this is not a paid position, respite providers do receive a small stipend and help with mileage costs when they travel to do respite.

Training will be offered in Waverly, beginning in January, and in Decorah and Dubuque, beginning in February. The program has trained 46 volunteers, including college students, former foster parents and adult children of foster families.

Persons interested in becoming certified respite providers should contact Magnall at 877-467-4100, 319-352-3600 or magnall_ifapa@msn.com.