OPEN NOW – Until February 12th, 2026
The Children’s Respite Flexible Funding Application is for Families Living In York Region, Simcoe County, Durham Region, Peel, Dufferin, Wellington, And Haliburton, Kawartha & Pine Ridge (HKPR).
The Children’s Respite Flexible Funding is from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to serve as an enhancement for families to access respite services in their community. Families can only apply for these funds once a year and there is no guarantee of the availability of these funds in future years.
Please note that applications will be selected
by a lottery system
For more information about our Lottery Selection Process, please contact us at respitefunding@kerrysplace.org.
Eligibility
- Children that are up to the age of 18 years (after their 18th birthday they no longer qualify.
- Children must live in York Region, Simcoe County, Durham Region and Haliburton, Kawartha & Pine Ridge (HKPR), Dufferin, Peel and Wellington.
- Children must have an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (proof of diagnosis is required)
The funds will cover
- Respite worker / mediator
- Respite worker / mediator at a camp or group
- Camp fees
- Social groups, recreational groups
- Specialized classes, lessons (guitar, swimming, karate, etc)
The funds will NOT cover
- Any type of therapy
(speech and language, ABA, IBI, music therapy, etc) - Transportation costs, mileage, parking fees
- Activity costs (admission fees, costumes, snacks, sport equipment, musical instruments, etc)
- Home care and cleaning costs
- Education fees, assistive devices, computer software, equipment
Important Information about Children’s Respite Flexible Funding:
- There is a limited amount of funding per year to serve many families. It will be a lottery selection.
- This is an enhancement to your respite plan. These funds will not cover all of your yearly respite costs.
- This is a reimbursement funding process. Your costs will be reimbursed once you have submitted valid receipt of payment (program or service must be completed).
- If any portion of the application is missing, it will not be processed.
- Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline has passed.
- The application covers a 1 year period (April 1 – March 31). Families are encouraged to apply yearly.
The Application Process
- Complete the application online and submit.
- Please note that the Referral Type must be ‘Children’s Respite (REFF) Referral’. Do not switch Referral Type.
Changing this will prevent your application from being added to the lottery. - Lottery Selection takes place
- All applicants will receive a notification by April 30, 2026
- *New this year* Selected applicants will receive an approval package with further information by email only. Packages will not be mailed out through Postal mail
For more information on the Children’s Respite Flexible Funding contact us at respitefunding@kerrysplace.org.
Reimbursement Guidelines:
After completion of any service or program being claimed through this funding, the following is required for reimbursement:
- A completed Schedule C
- Receipt(s) paid in full showing a $0.00 balance. If using a respite worker, in lieu of a receipt, their signature and hours are required on Schedule C.
Please submit Schedule C and receipts as soon as possible following the completion of respite supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use the funding for?
Camp, recreational activity, sport activity, music lessons, horseback riding, in/out of home respite, social groups, Scouts, Brownies etc. (No therapy i.e., ABA, IBI, SLP. PT) (no house cleaning, music books, ski equipment, etc.)
When does the funding need to be used by?
All invoices must be sent in no later than March 31st. All services must be completed by March 31.
When can I expect my reimbursement?
Invoices go to Finance team on the 15th and 25th of each month. It takes them approximately 3 weeks to process all the payments. An email notification is sent letting the families know that the funds have been transferred to their bank. It can take the banks up to 36 hours to deposit the funds into the accounts.
When can I apply for the funding?
The application is available January 1st of each year on the Kerry’s Place website.
Why isn’t the physical package being sent by postal mail?
We are reducing the use of physical paperwork when it comes to ReFF by converting documents and communication into a digital option (email, digital fillable forms, etc.). This will increase the efficiency of getting information back and forth between families and Kerry’s Place as well as reduce the risk of mail theft which puts your financial information at risk.
Can I send in the Schedule C now that I have been approved?
Send in the completed Schedule C once the program/service has been completed with the paid in full receipt.
Does the camp need to be a special needs camp?
No, your child can be enrolled in any camp that suits their needs.
Do I need a receipt from my Respite Worker?
No, the worker can sign the Schedule C in the Respite Worker section. If you use an Agency, please include the paid in full receipt from them.