Family Support
What Is Respite Care in New Jersey?
Respite gives caregivers a planned break while the child continues receiving appropriate care. Here is how families in New Jersey ask about it.
Last reviewed: September 1, 2026
What can respite help with?
Caring for a child with significant developmental, behavioral or medical needs can require constant supervision and support. Respite is designed to provide temporary relief to caregivers while the child continues receiving appropriate care and supervision.
Respite can give caregivers time to:
- Rest
- Attend appointments
- Spend time with other children
- Complete errands
- Attend important events
- Manage other family responsibilities
Respite is temporary caregiver relief. It is not the same as permanently replacing the caregiver.
Start here
If your child is already connected to CSOC developmental disability services
Ask your care coordinator or appropriate Children’s System of Care contact about respite.
If you are unsure whether your child has DD eligibility through CSOC
Contact PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624 and ask about:
- DD eligibility
- Available family support services
- Respite
- The appropriate next step for your child
Questions to ask about respite
Official sources
Related resources
Last reviewed: September 1, 2026
This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace medical, legal, educational, or insurance advice. Programs, eligibility requirements, provider availability, and insurance coverage can change. Always verify information directly with the appropriate provider, school district, insurance company, or government agency.