Resources
Channel Islands Social Services prides itself on collaborating with community partners and educating families about services that can support them. For a list of some of our community partners, use the drop-down menu on the Resources Page tab above.
Common Acronyms Used in the Regional Center System
Helpful Forms:
- Respite Caregiver Interview Checklist & Emergency Contact List – Use this helpful form when you are meeting a new Respite Caregiver or need to update your family’s emergency contact information to post in your home.
- The Family Caregiver Budgeting Worksheet created by CISS has helped many families get a better picture of their expenses related to their child’s care. It can also be very helpful to prepare for tax season!
Helpful Websites for Families:
- Autism Society of Ventura County
- Center 4 Special Needs
- Department of Developmental Services (916) 654-1690
- Disability Rights CA (advocacy info)
- Kids and Families Together (specializing in Kinship Family Support)
- Learning Community for Person Centered Practices
- National Respite Coalition
- Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center (& Library)
- Tri-Counties Regional Center – info on Respite policies – click the numbers “11501” and “11601” for more info
- United Parents (serving VC Behavioral Health)
- Ventura County Foster Parent Association
In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
For info on IHSS and how respite and IHSS are not the same service, see the drop-down menu on the Resources tab above or click here.
Other Resources:
ARCH National Respite Network Fact Sheet: Respite for Individuals with Autism
Recent Studies & Articles: Social Connections Decrease Blood Pressure of Parents Caring for Children with Special Needs
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