UCP of Greater Birmingham is pleased to offer respite services using funding from the Alabama Department of Abuse and Neglect, Children's Trust Fund of Alabama.

This funding supports respite services for families who have children with disabilities, age birth through 18, in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Bibb, Chilton, Tuscaloosa, and Coosa counties.

Respite services are temporary, short-term breaks for caregivers of children and youth with disabilities.

The HEARTS Respite Program offers respite through a voucher system, allowing families to hire the caregiver of their choice:

1. Voucher Respite: where families choose, train, and use their own caregiver. UCP will reimburse the family and the family will pay their selected caregiver. The amount of the voucher generally runs $50 per month.

2. Home Health Respite: a Home Health Agency is used for families of children requiring specialized care. Families locate an appropriate agency and work with UCP to provide services.

**Services are funded on a first-come-first-serve basis until funds are depleted. This year's project runs through July 2011. UCP will not be held responsible for any actions taken by the selected caregiver.

For more information, contact Jeri Jackson at 205.823.9226 or JBH50@aol.com