A program that has been a boon to Northeast Iowa foster parents needing some time off is seeking volunteers to become certified respite providers.

Established by the Wartburg College social work department and the Allison Area Foster Parent Association, the Certified Respite Provider program enables foster parents to get away for a weekend or a vacation. Previously, they had to leave their children in another foster home, but now they can request a certified respite provider to come to their home.

Nancy Magnall, resource information specialist with the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, said 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.

“We will need a wider circle of providers, and we’re hoping to attract even more college students and other interested adults,” Magnall said.

Training will be offered in Waverly, beginning in January, and in Decorah, beginning in February, to serve families in Allamakee, Bremer, Butler, Clayton, Chickasaw, Fayette, Franklin, Grundy, Howard, and Winneshiek counties.

The program, which originally served four counties, has trained 35 volunteers, including college students, former foster parents and adult children of foster families in its first two years.

Its success resulted in a $25,000 contract with the Iowa Department of Human Services that will expand the program to 10 counties and involve the Luther College social work department as well.

Persons interested in becoming Certified Respite Providers should contact Magnall at 877-467-4100, 319-352-3600 or magnall_ifapa@msn.com