Duet Receives Innovative and Exemplary National Award

The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center is pleased to announce that Duet: Partners In Health & Aging, in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of four respite services from across the country that were recognized with the highest level of distinction -- Innovative and Exemplary. Each respite service met a stringent set of criteria and all have outstanding programs that address the needs of family caregivers of children, adults and/or older adult family members. Having met the criteria, respite services selected as Innovative and Exemplary received an honorarium for their achievements, and will be recognized at the 2025 National Lifespan Respite Conference in April in Huntsville, AL.

Duet’s kinship care services emerged in 1995 when they noticed many seniors withdrawing from programs due to new caregiving responsibilities for their grandchildren. Last year, Duet provided 7,600 hours of respite to 144 grandfamilies.

“We adopted a flexible voucher service model within a personalized, family-centered framework, tailoring support to each caregiver’s unique needs,” said Patricia Dominguez, MSW Kinship Care Services Director. “Alongside respite funds, grandfamilies benefit from shared intergenerational outings, educational workshops, and one-on-one guidance with our kinship team.”

The comprehensive approach is supported by diverse resources, including local businesses, and an active Grandparents Advisory Board that helps shape the service’s direction. This holistic model fosters a strong community, reduces social isolation, and strengthens family connections.

In Arizona, there are currently 54,000 children being raised by a grandparent in an informal kinship home. Many of these families are on fixed incomes and don’t receive assistance awarded to foster families. Duet’s respite services provide them with an opportunity to participate in sports, music, theatre, dance and other extracurricular activities.

Respite is the most frequently requested support service among the nation’s 53 million family caregivers, yet 86% do not receive respite services, despite the proven benefits to caregivers and care recipients. Respite for these families can help reduce caregiver stress, improve caregiver and family health and well-being, help avoid more costly out-of-home placements, and may even help to reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect.

By recognizing high quality respite services across the country, ARCH hopes to encourage the study, expansion, and replication of such services. For more detailed information about each program and the selection process, see the attached and the ARCH website.

Duet has been in the Valley for over 44 years, and they started their kinship services to help grandparents who are raising grandkids 30 years ago. They offer support groups, legal assistance, respite assistance, educational workshops and grandfamily outings. To learn more, visit: www.duetaz.org/grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org.