Respite care available for families of kids with disabilities

Services intended to help parents or caregivers of children with developmental disabilities are now available for qualified families in the Commonwealth.

Little Darlings Child and Respite Care Center has been chosen to handle respite care in the CNMI, to ease the “profound effects” a family or caregiver may be experiencing due to the amount of time, effort, and care necessary to take care of children with developmental disabilities.

According to program director Joann Aquino, caring for an adult or child with a disability or chronic disease may have effects, including continuous periods of stress, fatigue, or even burn out.

Loss of sleep, difficulty in spending time with other children or family members, and lack of time for nurturing marriages may result in caregivers or parents becoming overwhelmed, which in turn, may also result in institutionalization, divorce, neglect, or child abuse.

“Respite refers to short term temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of caregiving,” Aquino said. “Providing respite care can help parents have time to themselves, spend time with their other children, run to the grocery store, work out at the gym, and many other activities necessary to having a well-balanced life. Parents can relax and come back revitalized and better able to care for their child.”

Aquino said respite care also gives the child a change in their daily routine and provides opportunities to build new relationships.

The center is currently accepting applications, which will be screened by Aquino prior to acceptance. Services are provided for children up to 13 years of age.

Those approved will receive a voucher valued at $300 that would be valid for up to three months. A book entitled “Passport to respite” will also be issued to approved applicants.

Aquino said approved applicants will have a 12-day respite care service to use, with up to four hours available per visit. Transportation service will also be available via Saipan Call-A-Ride services at no cost.

Little Darlings Child and Respite Care is a non-profit organization established in June last year. The Respite Care program is funded in part by the CNMI Choice Program and Family Support Alliance Project of the CNMI Council of Developmental Disabilities. It is also licensed by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Child Care Licensing Office.

The center currently operates with a staff of four professionals, including a teacher and nurses. Several parent volunteers or consultants have also assisted.

“All staff members are trained in CPR by the American Red Cross,” Aquino said.

The center also implements the Creative Curriculum, which mirrors the Public School System’s Head Start Program “and is a high quality program that is developmentally, individually, and culturally appropriate.”

Operation hours are from 7:30am to 6pm Monday thru Friday.

“After-hours care and Saturday care can be arranged if scheduled in advance,” Aquino said.

For more information, contact Aquino at 235-5437.