FOOTPRINTS provides respite services for families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Durham Region.  Established in 2004, this volunteer-driven, not-for-profit program is dedicated to providing respite care for children 13 years of age and under on a weekly basis in Durham Region.  An outreach program of Dunbarton-Fairport United Church, the program is designed solely for benefit of the afflicted children and for the relief of their families.  FOOTPRINTS relies on trained volunteers to care for the children under the guidance of a trained and qualified Program Consultant.

As the parents of two sons affected with autism, our lives tend to revolve around these children and their high needs, often to the detriment of their siblings.  The ability to send our children to a respite program like FOOTPRINTS gives us a much needed reprieve and the opportunity to focus on our other children, and even ourselves.” – Bradbury family

“My family has not had a vacation in the 10 years since our daughter (who has ASD) was born.  Respite costs around $20/hour (private respite) and is not easily funded.  So this is why we are so happy to be able to receive affordable and high quality respite every other Saturday morning from FOOTPRINTS.  My husband, son and I go out for breakfast, go shopping together, visit with friends – things we cannot do easily with our daughter – on these Saturdays and it gives us a feeling of a “normal life”.  My daughter loves going to FOOTPRINTS and is able to participate in activities that she enjoys with her peers.” – Rankin Family