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LSI's Respite Options offers free crisis child care to Polk County parents
Des Moines, Iowa – Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) recently received $5,000 from the Susan J. Glazer Foundation for a free crisis child care program that assists families in Polk County. LSI’s Respite Options offers free child care to parents in crisis who have little to no support system with the goal of reducing child abuse.
In past years, the program was available to children ages 0 to 5. With the additional funding from the Susan J. Glazer Foundation, the program will expand to children up to age 18. LSI estimates this will help an additional 50 to 75 families in crisis.
“LSI created Respite Options in response to a growing community need,” said Heidi Smith, LSI’s statewide manager of supported community living and respite services. “With crisis child care, struggling parents get a much needed break and children have a safe place to go. Parents who are overwhelmed with stress or a crisis face a higher risk for child abuse. Respite care reduces that load and keeps family members safe. ”
LSI’s Respite Options program is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It’s open to Polk County children ages infant to 18 as long as they are not involved in the court or child welfare system. Parents must demonstrate a need for community support based on nonexistent or limited options of support in caring for their children.
Many referrals for the LSI program come from other social service agencies, schools, shelters and word of mouth. The crisis child care is provided by LSI’s certified respite providers.
“A major goal with Respite Options, in addition to helping the family during an immediate crisis, is to also build a support network for the family,” said Smith. “We help guide families to other community resources so they can access additional supports in the future.”
In state fiscal year 2007-2008, LSI’s Respite Options provided 230 respite stays, amounting to 5,450 hours of service. LSI also offers similar crisis child care programs in Story and Boone Counties.
To make a referral or use the program, call 515.271.7337.
LSI impacts the lives of tens of thousands of Iowans annually through residential treatment, services to families, home health care, early childhood programs, adoption/foster care services, refugee resettlement, services for people with disabilities, disaster response initiatives and Barnabas Uplift. LSI serves people of all ages, genders, nationalities, religions, ethnicities and sexual orientations and is affiliated with Lutheran Services in America and three Iowa synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. To learn more, visit www.lsiowa.org.
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