“As a parent for a child with special needs, Respite Care provides the most giving and helpful service that I have. It makes a world of difference.”
Respite Programs for Families with Special Needs
Caring for a loved one with special needs requires countless time and attention. To need a break from time to time – to want a respite from the daily duties of care – is absolutely normal, particularly for people who are often performing “superhuman” activities.
JCFS’ Respite program helps decrease a family’s stress level, provide social and recreational outlets for children and improves the overall functioning of the family. Our respite program takes a supportive and nurturing approach, which enhances a child’s growth and development, while providing parents short-term relief. We offer many types of Respite scenarios for parents who need a little “me time” throughout the year. Choose the option that fits your family’s needs.
Community Respite Services for Clients with Developmental Disabilities
4-8 hours per week: 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. Please note: the waiting list for this program is currently closed.
Community Support Services for Clients with Mental Health Diagnoses
4-8 hours per week: 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. Support services are provided until the child’s individual service goals are achieved.
Sunday Group Respite Services
1 Sunday per month: Sunday Group Respite Services provide children with the opportunity for social interactions, age-appropriate activities and individual skill development. Children with special needs and their typically developing siblings are eligible to participate. Group Respite Services are held at the West Rogers Park location.
Take Five Weekend
3 times per year: This fun-filled weekend is an all-expenses paid getaway for families in the Community Respite Program or on the waiting list. Families are chosen by lottery for each weekend; the weekend occurs three times a year at a hotel in downtown Chicago. 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 child-free evening.
System of Care (SOC) Respite Program
Up to 5 hours per week: Funded by the Department of Children and Family Services, respite is provided to clients within the agency’s SOC program. 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.
Get Help
Call toll-free, 855-ASK-JCFS (855-275-5237) or email today