Foster parenting involves real dedication. Sharing round-the-clock support can be overwhelming, especially when caring for children with behavioral health needs. This is why behavioral health respite services play such an important role in supporting both foster families and the children in their care.
What is behavioral health respite care?
Behavioral health respite provides temporary, professional care for children with mental health conditions or behavioral challenges. This service gives foster parents planned breaks, all while making sure children receive specialized attention from trained professionals.
Unlike traditional childcare, behavioral health respite focuses specifically on supporting children with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, or other behavioral challenges. For foster families, the idea is to connect children with people who truly understand their unique needs.
How do foster families benefit from respite support?
Foster children often come from challenging backgrounds. In Ohio, more than 35% of the 16,000 children in the foster care system are in care because of reported abuse or neglect. They may struggle with emotional regulation or attachment issues, and they deserve to feel seen and heard. Foster parents benefit from this same support.
Signs that foster families might benefit from respite services include:
- Feeling overwhelmed by the behavioral needs of a child in their care
- Difficulty managing multiple children with varying needs
- Stress impacting the family’s general well-being
- Lack of time for other family members or personal needs
High-quality behavioral health respite providers feature trained staff who understand trauma-informed care and can work with children who have complex behavioral needs. Look for providers who offer flexible scheduling and open communication with foster families.
Does Medicaid support respite services?
States like Ohio offer behavioral health respite services through Medicaid waiver programs specifically designed for children with mental health needs. These programs recognize that respite care is a key component of mental health treatment.
Medicaid agencies generally view respite services as cost-effective interventions that help prevent more intensive and expensive placements. When foster families receive the support they need, children are more likely to benefit too.
Let Beyond Healthcare support your family
Serving families across Ohio, Beyond Healthcare works with Medicaid programs and foster care agencies to make certain children receive consistent, quality care. Contact us today or call 1-888-714-3162 to learn how our respite services can support your foster family’s needs.
