Support Foster Families with U.P. Kids
Become a Respite Provider and Help Caregivers Recharge
U.P. Kids has been supporting children and families across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for over a century through foster care, adoption, mentoring, and family support programs. Becoming a respite provider is an impactful way to support children in foster and adoptive homes. By offering short-term care, whether a few hours or several days, you give caregivers the opportunity to attend to personal matters, manage emergencies, or take time to rest and recharge.
While many families currently use respite care only during emergencies or travel, U.P. Kids is working to make it a regular and encouraged part of foster family self-care. When foster parents receive the support they need, the entire system becomes stronger, and respite providers play a key role in that support network.
How To Get Started
A conversation is all it takes to get started. U.P. Kids provides guidance through every step of the licensing process, ensuring providers feel confident and supported. With dedicated support from a licensing worker, most providers become licensed within 4–6 months. Placements are flexible and based on your comfort and availability, ranging from a few hours to several days.
Basic Steps to Become Licensed:
Inquire with a licensing worker
Complete orientation and background check
Complete a home study with a licensing worker
Meet the required standards and training
Be willing to open your heart
Contact Information
Ariel Miron
Licensing Worker
(906) 299-4196
ariel@upkids.com
Kasey Holman
Licensing Worker
(906) 281-2568
kasye@upkids.com
About U.P. Kids
U.P. Kids has been caring for children and families across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for over a century and is headquartered in Houghton, with offices in Marquette, Escanaba, Sault Ste. Marie, and Ironwood, U.P. Kids provides foster care and adoption services, mentoring programs, family support, and other child-focused initiatives throughout the region. Their mission is to strengthen families and ensure that every child has a safe, stable, and loving home.
To support this work for generations to come, U.P. Kids has established an endowment fund at the Keweenaw Community Foundation. This fund helps ensure the long-term sustainability and provides ongoing support for vital programs, such as respite care.
Make a lasting impact—donate to the U.P. Kids Endowment Fund