caregiver support services
Children’s Home Network is excited to be offering a new preventative program that will have a life-changing impact on at-risk families in Pinellas County. Caregiver Support Services (CSS) offers comprehensive support to caregivers and their families to prevent child abuse and neglect. The program serves children between the ages of 0-13 who have physical disabilities, social-emotional challenges, or developmental delays/disabilities and caregivers who are experiencing acute situational stressors leading to a strained family system. Caring for a child with special needs puts an enormous burden on caregivers. Families are the first and most critical system of support for their child with special needs and are often overwhelmed by the daunting logistical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of providing care. Only by ensuring their own health and well-being can caregivers continue to meet the needs and demands placed on them to care for and guide their children on the path to recovery and stabilization.
The CSS program through an integrated multidisciplinary team addresses the global needs of children and families. The philosophy of the CSS program through its wraparound, home visiting approach is to consider the whole family unit, not simply the identified child or caregiver, knowing the family unit is a highly integrated complex system that must be addressed holistically. The program works to prevent child abuse by reducing household stress through “respite” or short-term childcare services. Caregivers are provided a much-needed break so they can focus on their own health needs which are often neglected while caring for their children with special needs. Respite services provide temporary relief for parents and caregivers and are proven to improve the overall well-being and stability of the family. Caregivers are also connected to additional resources and services in their community ensuring they have all the supports they need to care for their family and build resilience so the family can thrive and function at its very best.
The program places great emphasis on family choice and voice as well as taking into consideration the specific needs of the child when determining the type of respite service the family receives. The respite options for the family include respite service through:
Family-Selected Caregivers
Staff Respite Caregivers
Drop-in Center-Based Care
Group Home Care
All respite services are available seven days a week, offering flexibility to meet the individualized needs of each family. The typical duration of care is expected to be 3 to 6 months depending on the complexity of the family issues. Following case closure, the program will conduct follow-up calls to caregivers to ensure the family’s aftercare plans are followed and supported and to share additional community resources when needed.
Expected Program Outcomes
Reducing parental stress
Improving formal and informal family supports
Increasing protective factors against potential incidents of abuse and neglect
Improving family functioning and well-being
How to make a referral
If you would like to obtain more information about the program or make a referral, please call our Caregiver Support Services Intake Line at (727) 460- 7947 or email us at CSS@childrenshomenetwork.org. Our Intake Coordinator can assist you in getting more information about our services and supports and schedule you for an in-home assessment. We are currently accepting referrals and we look forward to hearing from you and supporting you.
