JANESVILLE, Wis. -- Families with special-needs children say it’s a need that constantly goes unfulfilled, and on Wednesday families from all over the state met to talk about respite care at Wisconsin's first Respite Care Conference.

For moms like Shiela Deforest-Davis, who has a child with bi-polar disorder, respite care gives parents a chance to focus on their other children -- something they rarely have time for.

"It was the first time that my husband and I were able to spend time with our other two children alone in four years," said Deforest-Davis, talking about her Respitality weekend.

Amanda Wing, who has a brother with autism, said the need for respite care extends to the siblings as well.

"People don't usually understand that we go through as much stress as the parents go through when there is a sibling with a disability in the family," said Wing. "And when you have respite services, the parents have more time to focus on you."

More than 100 people shared concerns like these Wednesday at the first annual statewide Respite Conference.

"It's been very frustrating kind of walking this alone," said Deforest-Davis. "And so we're hoping that people can come here and find some support so that they don't feel so isolated."

Families and care providers participated in discussions and toured exhibits. The conference also recognized Camp Awesome as the respite care provider of the year.

"I think we knew that going into this the first year would be a test, and I think we've passed that test and it's been a great day," said coordinator Michelle Sturz. "We look forward to it growing."

Organizers are already planning for next year's conference, which is set for the first Wednesday in October 2007.