Partnering to Expand Crisis Respite
Strengthening Families Washington is excited to partner with two community based organizations as we explore what it would look like to build capacity for crisis respite in Washington State.
Crisis Respite is short-term care for children for when parents or primary caregivers need a break for any reason, whether they are exhausted and worn-out from the demands of parenting or when they experience difficult life circumstances or other unexpected events and have no safe alternatives for care. Crisis Respite is typically available on short notice, often at any time of day or night, and is usually free of charge. Many Crisis Respite providers offer additional family supports such as concrete goods, support groups, referrals to benefit programs, and other services to further strengthen families and build resilience. Crisis Respite is welcoming and nonjudgmental; it is inclusive and Culturally Responsive to the families it serves. It understands that families are not defined by their circumstances.
These programs go by a variety of names, including crisis respite, urgent, immediate, and emergency respite or care, and crisis nurseries. Crisis respite can alleviate family stressors, reduce the risk of harm to children, and may help prevent otherwise unnecessary child welfare systems involvements and out of home placements. Through managing stress and other difficult life circumstances, parents are afforded greater opportunities to create and strengthen bonds with their children that can last generations.
Crisis respite is not widely available in Washington State. Over the coming year, (July 2024-June 2025), Child Care Action Council in Thurston County will convene a coalition of community partners to explore community crisis respite needs and assets and develop a plan to meet those needs. Multicultural Child and Family Hope Centerin Tacoma will offer drop in care on short notice, along hope, resources and support services to address the myriad of challenges families face. Both of these agencies have deep roots and trust in their communities.
Child Care Action Council’s mission is to promote and nurture early learning communities where children and families thrive. “By convening and leading a coalition to explore prevention crisis-respite-related needs and assets in the community, we are taking proactive steps to support families in times of need, including applying the Strengthening Families framework assessing risk and protective factors, thereby creating an environment where both children and caregivers can thrive. Additional family support will endeavor to prevent child abuse and neglect by offering caregivers the necessary care and resources to effectively navigate challenging circumstances while ensuring the safety and well-being of their children.”
Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center is a center of hope and support in the Hilltop Community. “At the core of our approach is the belief that every family deserves a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive. Our key project goals revolve around keeping children and families safe from harm, both physically and emotionally. We aspire to act as more than just a respite care center; we aim to be a lifeline for families, offering immediate help and support tailored to their unique needs.”
Strengthening Families Washington is thrilled to be supporting their work and looking forward to learning with and from them.