What is Respite?

The PSS Respite Childcare Program provides emergency child care at no cost for Alameda County parents or guardians who are experiencing stress and need a break from parenting. The primary target group is Alameda County parents or guardians who don’t have the resources to get a break from children. The secondary target group is for Alameda County parents or guardians who need medical care and have no resources to care for their children.

PSS is a licensed Foster Family Agency (FFA) operating under the supervision and guidelines of the State of California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Experienced providers, certified by PSS, provide childcare, offering their homes, time, compassion and a safety net for parents and guardians who are experiencing stress. We also contract with licensed daycare providers who have room for occasional drop-in children during their regular hours. Transportation to and from the provider’s home is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Families are assessed for their current level of stress exploring their current support system, financial and financial resources. We discuss with parents their children’s behavioral concerns that would place them or others at risk of harm. Our respite child care program provides safe, temporary (3-72 hours) shelter for children up to fourteen years of age. The period of emergency care varies depending on the needs of the parents and the availability of our providers. We are always recruiting new providers.

Respite Care for Relative Caregivers
“Need a Break!”-Grandparents Need Personal Time, Too

Lincoln Child Center’s Kinship Support Services Program (KSSP) provides support to relatives who are caring for their grandchildren, nieces, or nephews. Relatives will be provided support through a variety of resources including support group meetings, occasional training groups and periodic childcare. In collaboration with Lincoln Child Center, Parental Stress Service provides childcare:

1.        During the relatives support group meetings and training groups.

2.       Periodically through small recreational groups or outings with children.

3.       In the care of Certified family homes for a few hours or overnight during a family emergency.

4.       In the child’s home for a few hours for special circumstances when need arises.

 

Information on becoming a Respite Provider-“Got Time?”

Want part-time work that satisfies and matches your availability? PSS needs you to lend a hand to families who are in need of short-term, emergency childcare. PSS will train and provide compensation for periodic childcare services. Just call 1-800-829-3777 to find out how you can help.

We seek qualified individuals who live in Alameda County and can offer nurturance and compassion to care for children for short periods, overnight, during group meetings, or during recreational activities.

A Provider’s Experience

What volunteers have said about why they do this work:

Taken from an interview: 

Why did you decide to do this work?

I was a survivor of child abuse, myself, and realize how devastated a child can feel. In order to do this work well, one must love kids and want to make the world safe for them. I feel I can make the world safer for the kids who come to me. I was also intrigued by what PSS does, giving parents who are strong enough to ask for help the opportunity to avoid hurting their children. Most parents really don’t want to hurt their children. Respite care gives parents options and makes it possible for parents to avoid hurting their children.  

Are the PSS children different from your other day-care children?

Often the PSS children are extremely stressed. Their parents have probably been stressed for days and the children are feeling the effects of that stress. When they come, some will not eat. Others just sit by the door and I will have to take toys and books to them and encourage them to join the rest of the children in arts and crafts projects. Other children are able to interact well with my other day-care children. Seemingly, they are glad to be away from all the stress. My day-care children may come several times to acquaint themselves before coming for day care. It’s more difficult for the PSS children because they have not ever met me or been to my house. 

What are the benefits of being a volunteer respite provider?

Spiritually, God blesses me. Sometimes after I’ve done the paper work, sent it in and forgotten all about it – I receive a bill, perhaps a PG&E bill, for more than I expected. And just when I begin to wonder where I’d get the extra money from, it seems the PSS stipend check comes. It’s a blessing! The PSS moms are extremely appreciative. I have had several parents who after seeing how well I took care of their children decided to keep their children in my day-care. Overall, the PSS children are wonderful – all children are wonderful.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would really encourage other people and other day care providers to give help to PSS. It’s a wonderful experience!

 

Examples of Respite

Some of the kinds of situations we can help with include:

A single parent on a limited income with three small children. She has a medical emergency and has to go into the hospital for surgery. She has no relatives nearby or neighbors she knows well enough to ask for help.

A mother looking for work, goes to a job interview and leaves her two year old locked in the car on the street outside.

A single parent with a two year old son is in the midst of a divorce. There are times when she wishes her son was not around as she deals with the hurt and anger she feels….she remembers her son, diapers wet, crying a lot in the middle of the night, and the only thing she can think of is wanting someone to take him for awhile.

A grandparent disputing custody of her four grandchildren whose ages range between 2 ½ and 13. She is unable to quietly take a bath or get to her medical appointments.

A couple who are new parents. The mother underwent surgery during the delivery. Father has returned to work. Everyone is sleep deprived because the new born is not adjusting to the day versus night schedule.

A foster parent is overwhelmed by the challenge of the new child transitioning into the new family. She has no support and is pending surgery which will require a few days of recuperation.