Clear answers for families considering Behavior Respite.
What is Behavior Respite?
Behavior Respite provides intermittent or regularly scheduled non-medical care and supervision for an individual with developmental disabilities and behavioral support needs. It gives family caregivers temporary relief while the individual receives support consistent with the authorized service and applicable plans.
Is Behavior Respite the same as ABA therapy?
No. Behavior Respite is not assessment or clinical treatment. Caregivers may implement applicable strategies from a pre-existing behavior support plan, but they do not design, independently change, or provide clinical oversight of that plan.
Who decides whether services are authorized?
The Regional Center planning team determines whether Behavior Respite is appropriate and identifies the authorized scope and hours through the IPP process. Eligibility for Regional Center services does not automatically mean that Behavior Respite is authorized.
Can services begin before authorization is received?
No. Busy Bee must receive the applicable referral and authorization and confirm that we can meet the person’s needs before Regional Center-funded services begin.
Will the caregiver follow a behavior support plan?
Caregivers follow applicable pre-existing plans and authorized support strategies that have been shared with Busy Bee. Caregivers do not independently create or modify clinical treatment plans.
Can caregivers provide personal care?
When included in the authorized service and within the caregiver’s training, support may include hygiene, dressing, grooming, toileting, meals, medication reminders, mobility, and transfers. Medication administration or medical care requires separate authorization, permission, and applicable training.
Can services include community outings?
Yes, when community access is included in the person’s authorization or IPP, appropriate to the individual plan, and within Busy Bee’s approved service scope. The activity, destination, meeting arrangements, and required supervision are confirmed in advance. Busy Bee does not provide transportation, and an outing is not assumed to be included in every authorization.
Does Busy Bee provide transportation?
No. Busy Bee does not transport individuals. Transportation to and from community locations must be arranged separately by the family or another authorized party. Any outing and meeting arrangements must be coordinated with Busy Bee in advance.
What ages do you serve?
Busy Bee supports children, adolescents, and adults who are authorized for Behavior Respite and whose needs can be appropriately supported within our approved program.
Is Behavior Respite emergency or crisis care?
No. Behavior Respite is not emergency medical care, mobile crisis response, or crisis stabilization. Call 911 for an immediate emergency and use the crisis resources identified by the Regional Center or the person’s support team when applicable.
How do I get started?
Contact our team or speak with your Regional Center Service Coordinator. We can answer general questions, review referral and authorization information, and explain the next steps.