Crisis Respite Bed Program
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Serving
Suffolk County Children and Youth
What is the Crisis/Respite Bed Program?
The Crisis/Respite Bed Program, operating since 1991, represents a joint effort among a variety of public and private child-serving agencies in Suffolk County. The program offers a temporary (up to 2 weeks), voluntary (both parent and child agree), out of home placement which provides a "cooling off" period for both the youngster and the parent(s).
Who is Eligible?
Suffolk County boys and girls, between the ages of 5 and 17, who are at risk or are currently experiencing an emotional/behavioral crisis, are eligible.
Who Can Make a Referral?
Any member of the Suffolk County community can refer a youngster. Parents, family members, mental health and social services agencies, schools, Family Court and Emergency Rooms frequently make referrals.
Where Does a Youngster Go?
Depending on the youngster's particular needs, placement will be in the home of a licensed family, group home, or residential setting on Long Island.
Does Crisis/Respite Bed Placement Affect Custody?
No. Since the placement is temporary and voluntary on the part of both the child and the legal guardian, custody remains the same.
What Happens When a Youngster is in Crisis/Respite Bed Placement?
A case coordinator is assigned to the child and family and oversees the respite placement, provides crisis intervention, and arranges linkage to appropriate mental health and other services.
Is there Any Cost?
The program is publicly funded, and there is no fee for families.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Youngster Placed?
The youngster can generally be placed the same day the referral is made.
To find out more or to access the program, call: Sagamore Children's Center (631) 370-1700
The Crisis/Respite Bed Program has been made possible through the cooperative efforts of the following agencies:
- Suffolk County Department of Social Services
- Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center
- Suffolk County Department of Health, Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services Suffolk County Probation Department
- New York State Office of Mental Health
Respite Bed Providers
- Long Island Adolescent & Family Services
- SCO Family of Services
- Hope for Youth
- mercyFirst
- Little Flower Children's Services
- Pederson-Krag Center