Support for foster and adoptive familiesHome- and community-based respiteServing Metro Atlanta
Atlanta Youth ServicesContracted Autism Respite Care Services ProviderRefer a Child

For families

Relief that supports the whole family.

Atlanta Youth Services provides compassionate autism respite care and support for eligible children, young adults, and families.

Who may qualify

  • Children and young adults with autism who meet applicable Georgia DHS and DFCS program requirements.
  • Children in foster care, living with an adoptive family, or in another qualifying child welfare placement.
  • Eligible families residing in Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, or Fulton County.

Program eligibility is confirmed through the applicable DFCS referral process. An inquiry or diagnosis alone does not guarantee services or provider availability.

How services begin

  1. Talk with your case manager or another appropriate referral source.
  2. AYS reviews the referral, family needs, safety information, routines, and schedule.
  3. AYS consults with the family and identifies a qualified provider match.
  4. Required intake paperwork and written service confirmation are completed.
  5. The provider begins planned services.

What to expect

A thoughtful start built around your family.

01

Family consultation

Share strengths, preferences, routines, communication needs, safety considerations, and goals.

02

Individualized matching

Provider matches consider experience, location, availability, family needs, and interpersonal fit.

03

Preparing for the first visit

Review expectations, emergency contacts, household routines, boundaries, and the planned schedule.

Family responsibilities

Clear communication supports safe care.

  • Provide accurate referral and safety information through approved channels.
  • Communicate schedule changes and relevant family needs.
  • Maintain a safe service environment and accessible emergency contacts.
  • Share feedback with AYS about service quality, fit, and changing needs.
Confidentiality: Submit diagnoses, placement information, medical details, and other private records only through the secure referral process—not ordinary email, social media, or direct messages.

Questions to ask

Talk with your case manager about eligibility, referral steps, timing, and available family supports.

Refer a Child →Contact AYS →