Respite Care
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Studies show parents who have children with emotional and behavior disorders become isolated because they have no one to watch their child. Such children become isolated from peers and do not have the same opportunities for social interaction, skill building, and community recreation as others their age do. These problems can tax both parents and children, and this is where LFS' Respite Care program can help fulfill the needs of both.

In the Respite Care program, trained care-givers supervise children with diagnosable emotional or behavior disorders that severely disrupt daily functioning at home, school, and in the community. This temporary respite is prescheduled to provide parents a break on a regular basis.

Children in our Respite Program, because of their emotional and behavioral disorders, do not have normal social skills. Some have difficulties maintaining their frustration level, attention span, or inner behavioral controls. Since it is developmentally appropriate for kids ages 9-14 to participate in social situations, our Respite providers often take pre-adolescent children into their community to participate in recreational activities that build confidence and self esteem. During these times, the children can practice social skills in natural situations.

These recreational and social activities benefit these children on many levels. Participating in recreational activities in their community with their "Big Buddy" (Respite Provider) promotes normal development, and we see these kids growing emotionally and behaviorally with the help of our trained Providers. Kids also often find a hobby, sport or skill that they are good at, or a special interest that is meaningful to them. When involved in their special interest, the kids gain self-knowledge, have pride in themselves, and have something to talk about with peers. Sometimes these children become so skilled at their special interest that it becomes their work when they become adults.

Historically, many children with emotional and behavioral problems end up in residential treatment centers or juvenile retention centers. In Respite Care, we want to provide a positive environment in the family's community for their child to grow emotionally and behaviorally. During the last six years, we have noticed when the children first begin participating in community activities, they interact only with their Big Buddy. With time, the pre-adolescent will begin gravitating toward other children. When this occurs, the Providers will step back and supervise. Eventually, interacting with other kids becomes very natural to children who may have only previously known isolation.

Children with emotional and behavior disorders and their parents have needs which must be met. The Respite Care program at LFS is specifically designed to meet some of those needs and help families cope with their situation. It is only one way we as an organization try expressing God's love, but it is an important and very fulfilling way.

For more information, call (402) 661-7100.

Funding for this program is provided in part by Region VI Behavioral Healthcare.