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Respite and Crisis Care Programs for Families at Risk of Child Abuse and Neglect or Family Disruption
Respite care services provide short-term care to children who have disabilities or chronic or terminal illnesses, who are in danger of abuse or neglect, or who have experienced abuse or neglect. For caregivers in stressful situations (they may be parents, foster or adoptive parents, or other relatives or guardians), respite care services provide temporary relief from the ongoing responsibilities of caring for children in the home.
Crisis care is a unique form of respite. It is provided to children, with or without a disability, when the family is in crisis. Crisis care services may be referred to as crisis respite, emergency respite, crisis nursery, crisis stabilization, or shelter care.
In addition to care and supervision, many respite and crisis care providers offer a variety of support services to families, including referrals to other programs, counseling, case management, meals, transportation, social activities, lodging, medications, personal care, and assistance with activities of daily living.
Respite and Crisis Care (PDF - 101 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2007)
Describes the components and benefits of respite programs, characteristics of families that need respite services, and research on the effectiveness of respite programs in reducing the incidence of child maltreatment.
Peer Review Checklist for Respite Programs (PDF - 82 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2007)
Lists evaluation criteria and data-gathering suggestions for reviewing a respite program's policies and procedures, staff training materials, and program records. The checklist also includes tips for program observation and interviews with staff, volunteers, and consumers.
Benefits of Planned and Crisis Respite Care (PDF - 67 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2004)
Presents results of a survey finding that respite care services reduced the risk for child maltreatment or placement, improved mental health and quality of relationships, and helped parents avoid an inappropriate caregiver or environment for their children.
Care for the Caregivers
Green
Children's Voice, 11, 2002
Emphasizes the need for consistent quality and availability of planned and crisis respite care services, and considers recent research indicating the increased risk of child abuse or neglect for families who do not have adequate support.
Respite in Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (CBCAP) (PDF - 283 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2004)
Describes how respite and crisis care services fit into the array of child abuse and neglect prevention services.