An expanded view of respite care: Supporting families.

Respite care services are in a unique position to provide a family-oriented, ecological, preventive perspective to child placement practices by meeting family crisis needs, developing networks of social supports, and preventing permanent separation of family members. An expanded view of respite care which includes (1) respite care for the family of the disabled child, (2) respite care for the internally stressed family/at risk child, and (3) respite care for the externally stressed family is proposed.