Arizona Respite Training and Certification Process
DDD

1. APPLICATION: Applicants must have a desire to care for and assist individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Must have minimum three months experience caring for individuals.

2. REFERENCES: Three references must be obtained for each applicant. The intent of this rule is to obtain additional information regarding the character, skill, and qualifications of applicants from individuals who have had close and long-standing contact with the applicant. The reference should have knowledge of the family/individual in the home as well as in the community. They should be familiar with family relationships, personal characteristics, and how the applicant deals with stress.

•  References cannot be related to the applicant by blood or marriage.

3. FINGERPRINTING: Applicants need to be fingerprinted for a criminal history record check. The intent of this rule is to protect children and adults with disabilities from contact with persons who have a criminal record. By requiring fingerprinting, the State of Arizona may assure that individuals who may present a threat to children or adults based on criminal activities and conduct do not have direct contact in the home.

• Fingerprint forms will be provided to you. This often holds up the certification process, so it is important that you take care of this immediately.

4. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY INSPECTION: If you elect to provide respite in your home, the Department of Economic Security will schedule a time to come to your home to ensure the physical safety of the home and property. A fire inspection will be completed for mobile homes.

• Inspection tips will be given to you in order for you to get prepared for the inspection. Some examples of items that will be looked at include: locked medicines and toxics, (we recommend Tot Locks, with magnet), fire extinguisher (size 2A10BC), fire detectors (one in each bedroom and one in hallway), usable exits from home, food storage techniques, general cleanliness, and pool fences.

5. PRESERVICE TRAINING: Each applicant is required to complete 15 hours of pre-service training. Below is a list of all of the trainings that need to be completed for respite certification.
   
   DDD Philosophy and Mission Statement. 
   Article 9 and client rights.
   Job description for the respite provider.
   Abuse and neglect of children or adults.
   Confidentiality.
   Incident reporting and emergency procedures/resources.
   How placements are made.
   Working as a professional team and professional roles.
   Medication administration and documentation.
   Behavior management and behavior modification.
   Client Intervention Techniques (C.I.T.) training, if applicable.
   
   In addition, each applicant must certify in CPR and First Aid techniques. A Place to Call Home will hold classes, for no charge. However, you may receive your certification elsewhere if you elect. Be sure to obtain a certificate with your name, the course title, the date of training, the expiration date, and the instructor's signature.
   
   Check with the Respite Coordinator for a training calendar for specific dates and times.
   
   

6. FIRE EVACUATION/FLOOR PLAN: If you elect to provide respite services in your home, instructions for drawing a floor plan and fire escape route/plan will be given to you by A Place To Call Home.
   
   

7. VERIFICATIONS: A Place To Call Home must have copies of the following documents:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Picture identification and/or drivers license.

• Social Security Card.

• Fingerprint clearance card.

• CPR and First Aid certifications.

• Vehicle registration. (if transporting)

• Vehicle insurance. (if transporting)

8. TRANSPORTATION: Transportation is sometimes necessary for respite 
   clients. In order to provide transportation, the following are needed:

• Current Arizona driver's license.

• Vehicle registration.

• Vehicle insurance.

• Inspection of vehicle conducted by A Place To Call Home.