This program consists of three components, and has been in operation since March 17, 1997. The Community Respite Program offers a range of respite and crisis child care options to families with children, newborn to age 12, when parents are experiencing personal/family stress and have no other other support available. The program allows parents to seek out and plan assistance prior to reaching a crisis level. Such support is aimed at strengthing the family, and reducing the risk of harm/neglect to children.
In-home Infant Respite: This program is designed to assist parents of newborn infants (0-6 months) when alternate respite options are not available. There are many reasons for requesting this service:
- parent exhaustion
- multiple births (twins/triplets)
- parent illness (post partum depression)
- feeling isolated
- medical appointments
- infant colic
Daycare Program: Daycares throughout the city work with Childrens Cottage Society to provide space free of charge. This availability occurs when registered children are absent. Requests for this program is most often to facilitate the following:
- Appointments not appropriate to take children to (counseling)
- Job interviews
- Searching for housing
- Hospital/doctor visits (sibling ill)
- Risk of losing job (child care fell through)
- Death in the family
Individuals or agencies can access services by contacting the Crisis Nursery at 233–2273. This line is open 24 hours a day. For more information you can call the Community Respite Program Manager at 283-4200 ext. 229