Respite Services
As a parent for a child with special needs, Respite Care provides the most giving and helpful service that I have,” says one JCFS Respite Parent. “It makes a world of difference.”
Caring for a loved one with special needs requires countless time and attention. Our respite program offers a supportive and nurturing approach which enhances a child’s growth and development, while providing parents short-term relief. The overall goals of the Respite program are to decrease the level of stress for families, provide a social and recreational outlet and to improve the overall functioning of the family. In order to provide quality, compassionate care, full and part-time respite workers are hired, supervised and trained by master’s level supervisors.
We Provide
Community Respite Services for Clients with Developmental Disabilities
Funded by the Department of Human Services, in-home respite services are provided to parents with children with developmental disabilities including—but not limited to—Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Families are provided between 4 to 8 hours of respite per week and case management services including linkage and referrals. Please note: the waiting list for this program is currently closed.
Community Respite Services for Clients with Mental Health Diagnoses
In-home community support services, funded by the Department of Human Services, are provided to parents with children with mental health diagnoses ages birth to 17. Mental health diagnoses include—but are not limited to—Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder and depression. Community support services are provided 4 to 8 hours per week until the child’s individual service goals are achieved.
Sunday Drop-In Respite Services
Sunday Drop-in Respite Services were developed to respond to the increasing demand for respite services. Drop-in provides children with the opportunity for social interactions, age-appropriate activities and individual skill development. Children with special needs and their siblings are eligible to participate. The service is staffed by a respite supervisor, respite workers and volunteers and is provided two Sundays per month at the West Rogers Park location.
Take Five for the Weekend
The “Take Five” Weekend is an all-expense paid weekend getaway for families in the Community Respite Program or on the waiting list. The weekend occurs twice a year at a hotel in downtown Chicago. Seven families are chosen by lottery for each weekend (a total of 14 families per year). The weekend consists of a welcome dinner, an afternoon in the city as a family and a children’s pizza party with entertainment. During the pizza party, a respite worker is assigned to each family to allow parents a free evening.
Short-Term Respite for Jewish Families
Funded by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, Short-Term Respite Services are provided to Jewish families that need assistance during a time of transition such as divorce, a death in the family, a child with special needs having a significantly difficult time or loss of employment. The duration and number of Short-Term respite hours provided to a family are based on an assessment of family needs. Services can be provided for a maximum of 6 months. The main goal of this service is to support the family while helping to stabilize the family situation through respite and linkage to additional supportive services.
Flexible Respite
Flexible Respite provides 60 flexible hours of respite care annually to children or adults with disabilities or to caregivers who are ill.
System of Care (SOC) Respite Program
Funded by the Department of Children and Family Services, respite is provided to clients within the agency’s SOC program. Clients receive up to 5 hours of respite per week and services predominantly take place within the community. The main goal of SOC is to help stabilize the client’s placement through a mentoring relationship that provides exposure to the many activities and resources within their community.
