Respite Services: Caring for Children and Families at St.Amant

27 May, 2022 | St.Amant

Erin Huber spent 12 years working in emergency child welfare before joining St.Amant as a Coordinator of Children’s Respite and Family Support. “In that role, I saw so many wonderful families who had to give up their child to Child and Family Services because there was no other option for them,” she remembers. “These were good people and loving parents, but the complex needs of their child required care that extended 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There were very few options available to them when they needed a break.”

Erin Huber

With the recent opening of a respite home in Winnipeg and another opening in Brandon in May, 2022, both managed by St.Amant, Huber is thrilled to see a much-needed option for families who have children with developmental disabilities or autism. “We have a list of criteria that make people eligible for respite,” she explains. “Sleep deprivation is one of them. Many parents are awake all night, making them deeply tired and dealing with difficult situations at all hours. We have parents who hesitate to use the bathroom for fear that their child might try to run away or harm themselves.”

A dedicated team create an environment that is safe and welcoming for children and their families. “Once a family has been referred to us, they are eligible for up to 91 days of respite per calendar year,” Huber reveals. “The children come to stay on a rotating basis, and there is a clinical component to respite, as well. We have access to a counsellor, a social worker, occupational therapy and more. Out-of-home respite is one piece of the puzzle; we’re also trying to help families deal with challenging behaviours on their own.”

So far, the program has been incredibly successful in Winnipeg. “We have had eight or nine children come to stay with us,” continues Huber. “And I want to highlight just how strong and resilient these families are. When they’re first approved, there have a bit of a combination of relief and fear. Just like any parent, they wonder if we’ll be able to care for their child properly. They place a lot of trust in us, and we don’t take it for granted.”

Huber reveals that some parents are skeptical that their child will adapt to the change in routine. “We’ve had parents say that they’re sure we’ll call them within an hour to say it’s not working,” she admits. “One mother in particular didn’t think her son would even get out of the car. Not only did he stay a whole week with us, but he stayed an extra day due to a snowstorm. Then he told his mom he wanted to come back. That’s a very powerful moment for all of us.”

What impact does respite make on a family? “Many of these parents have other children who require their attention, or they just really need a chance to rest and catch up on sleep,” Huber continues. “I often think about how I only have one child myself and how run down I get! These parents are absolute rockstars for all that they’re able to do. Offering them respite, knowing that their child is safe and well cared for, is a gift for their whole family.”