In This Issue:
Evaluating Residential Programs
&
How To Tell if a Family Could Benefit from Respite Care
Introduction
There is no substitute for firsthand observation. When you and the parents have organized your list of potential residential programs, the parents (and you, if possible) should make appointments to visit each one. Do not hesitate to ask the following questions:
- What are the entry requirements?
- How many people live at the particular residence?
- Is there a waiting list?
- How long is the waiting list?
- What is the staffing pattern?
- What other services are provided at this residence?
- What are the expectations for activities outside the residence?
- Can the resident go to a day program?
- Can the resident have a part-time or weekend job?
- What will the costs be for the specific services provided by this residence?
- How is the personal money of the resident monitored?
- Are family visits encouraged?
- What kinds of household chores will the resident be responsible for?
- Are leisure activities part of the resident’s program?
If parents are considering respite care they need to ask themselves the following questions:
1. Is finding temporary care for the child a problem?
2. Is it important that the parents enjoy an evening alone together, or with friends, without the children?
3. If they had appropriate care for their child with special needs, would they use the time for a special activity with their other children?
4. Do they think that they would be a better parent if they had a break now and then?
5. Are they concerned that in the event of a family emergency there is no one with whom they would feel secure about leaving their child?
6. Would they feel comfortable going to a trained and reputable respite provider to arrange for care for their child?
If you they answered “Yes” to several of these questions, they and their family could benefit from respite care and should investigate the resources in their community.
Many agencies and organizations have information on respite care services. (For a referral, contact the National Respite Locator Service, operated by the ARC National Resource Center: 1-800-773-5433). In general, assist parents in seeking out groups or professionals who work with children their child’s age. For example, if their child is in preschool, have them contact the school and discuss the need for respite care with the staff. If there is a parent group associated with their school, or if there is a local parent group concerned with children who have needs similar to their child’s, have the parent ask them. If the child is an adolescent, suggest to the parents that they talk to the staff at his or her school or, again, identify parent groups in the area with needs similar to theirs.
The following list presents some of the types of groups parents may want to contact in seeking services. Many will be listed in the telephone book. If they experience difficulty locating the organization in their community, often a state contact can be made. Examples include:
State and Local Government Agencies
State Department of Mental Retardation
State Developmental Disabilities Council
State Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs (formerly Crippled Children’s Services)
Departments of Health and Human Services, or Social Services
Department of Mental Health
State and local Departments of Education
State Protection and Advocacy Agency
Also, state and local disability support groups and agencies may be helpful in assisting parents with respite care. Examples of these include:
The Arc
United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc.
Autism Society of America
Brain Injury Association
Mental Health Association and CASSP
Spina Bifida Association
National Easter Seal Society
Parent Training and Information Center
Parent-to-Parent
University Affiliated Program(s)
Community Services Board
YMCA/YWCA
Churches
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NASET’s “How To” Evaluating Residential Programs –CLICK HERE
&
NASET’s “How To” Tell if a Family Could Benefit from Respite Care-CLICK HERE
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