What is Emergency Respite Care?

Emergency Respite Care is a program developed by Central Virginia Community Services that is licensed by the State of Virginia to offer short term out-of-home crisis intervention and crisis stabilization services to children 3-21 years old.

Our objectives are to:

1. Prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and removal from the community
2. Facilitate treatment by providing secure family environments
3. Involve the community in the care of these children.

What do we do?

     Upon referral and admission to the program, the Emergency Respite Care Worker will meet with the child and the guardian for an initial face-to-face intake interview. This assessment will focus on the problem areas and client's strengths that will then be used to develop treatment plans and behavioral checklists. Next, the child will then be transported to the respite care home. The child will meet the professional parent and will have opportunity to discuss any further immediate needs. Later, a face-to-face assessment will be completed by a qualified mental health provider and then a treatment plan will be completed within seven days of the placement. The treatment team will monitor behaviors pm a daily basis through the use of individualized daily behavioral checklists. The referral source and treatment team will formulate a plan for the transition of the child out of the respite care home once the situation is stable.

With whom do they work?

     Emergency Respite Care is for youths between the ages of three and 21, both male and female. These children typically have a history of multiple and chronic adjustment problems such as school failure, inappropriate family interactions, foster care failure, physical and verbal aggression, drug and alcohol usage, poor peer relations, inadequate coping and social skills, minimal work skills, and low to no self-esteem. The Emergency Respite Care Program can also be a placement for youths who have been committed or who are at risk for commitment to hospitals or juvenile detention facilities.

How do I make a referral to this program?

Simply contact the Emergency Respite Care Coordinator at (434) 948-4831.