What are respite child-care services?

• A. A planned alternative 24-hour care that provides relief to the child's primary caregiver and lasts more than 72 hours
• B. Emergency short-term care lasting 24 hours
• C. A weekend-only care option
• D. A training program for caregivers

Answer: (A)

Respite care is planned, temporary child care arranged specifically to give the child’s primary caregiver a break from ongoing duties. It ensures the child is safely cared for while the caregiver rests or handles other responsibilities, helping to prevent burnout and keep family routines stable. The key idea is relief for the caregiver through planned, short-term or extended care when needed. This distinguishes it from emergency short-term care (which is unplanned), weekend-only care (which may not be intended as a regular relief service), or a training program (which aims to educate caregivers rather than provide substitute for their care duties).