Caring for a child with special needs is incredibly rewarding – and it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Respite care offers families the opportunity to take a break, recharge, and focus on self-care, knowing their children are in safe and supportive hands. At Camp Starfish, we understand the importance of respite care and want to highlight some fantastic resources in the New England area that can help families thrive.
Weekenders at Camp Starfish
Our very own Weekenders program provides respite opportunities in a relaxing, rural setting. Designed specifically for children and teens ages 13+ with special needs, Weekenders offers fun, structured weekends full of engaging activities including a Saturday field trip and limited technology time. The program is located in Rindge, NH, but transportation options are available for families located in the Greater Boston area.
The program utilizes a 1:3 staff-to-camper ratio; please note that respite participants must be able to behave safely and appropriately under this level of support with minimal aggressive or highly disruptive behaviors. The program is most appropriate for children with verbal communication who are independent in completing hygiene tasks (with verbal prompting from staff occasionally). This program allows families to take a short break while their children are cared for in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
You can read about qualities of successful Starfish respite participants on the Weekenders page of our website. Learn more and sign up here: Weekenders Program
Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network
The Federation for Children with Special Needs offers a Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network (C2C). This program connects families with other caregivers to provide mutual support and respite. It’s an excellent way to build community, share experiences, and access needed breaks.
The program is designed for a diverse population of children with special needs including emotional and behavioral challenges, medical needs, and more. Families are paired together based on their child’s specific needs and the the matched caregivers’ abilities to support those needs. Participants undergo a background check to participate in the program. The program is currently open to Massachusetts residents.
Find out more here: Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network
House of Possibilities
Located in Easton, Massachusetts, the House of Possibilities (HOPe) offers overnight respite care on weekends for children and adults with disabilities. Their professional staff provides a safe and welcoming environment, giving families peace of mind while they rest or attend to other responsibilities.
Programs for children may be offered on a private-pay basis, while programs for adults may be funded through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Overnights include the ability to help make dinner, play games, watch movies, bake desserts, and have a pajama party with friends.
Explore their offerings here: House of Possibilities
Respite Providers Through Local Agencies
Local agencies often employ respite workers which may be assigned to children with special needs receiving services through an open case with that agency. For example, Monadnock Developmental Services, based out of the Cheshire region in New Hampshire, provides a service similar to this. Additionally, many agencies like Monadnock Developmental services may be able to reimburse families for respite services provided outside of what the agency is able to offer.
Be sure to look into agencies that serve your family’s geographic location. If you are located in Massachusetts, you may have luck contacting your local Department of Mental Health (DMH) or Department of Developmental Services (DDS) offices. Both of these agencies often provide respite provider or reimbursement services similar to those described above. .
Childcare Contact Resources
Sometimes, the best respite comes from reliable, trained childcare providers. Many organizations maintain contact lists of caregivers experienced in working with children with special needs. For example, Camp Starfish has a childcare contact list recently published in Winter 2024 with former and current staff members willing to provide childcare to children with emotional and behavioral needs similar to those of Starfish campers. You can also reach out to your local community centers, schools, or support networks to find these resources.
At Camp Starfish, we believe every caregiver deserves time to recharge and care for themselves. Whether through our Weekenders program or one of the other incredible options listed above, these respite opportunities provide the support you need to keep giving your best to your loved ones.
If you’d like to learn more about how Camp Starfish can help your family, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]!
