Behavioral Health Respite
This initiative aims to connect Ohio families to behavioral health respite care. We work alongside families, providers, and communities to make sure that support is available, accessible, and close to home.
Caring for a young person with behavioral health needs can be both rewarding and challenging. Many caregivers juggle work, family responsibilities, school meetings, medical appointments, and unexpected crises, all while doing their very best to support a child with complex needs. It’s a lot to carry, and it’s normal to feel tired or overwhelmed.
Finding the right kind of help isn’t always easy. Some traditional support options aren’t designed to meet the emotional or behavioral needs of youth, which can add stress instead of easing it for families.
Respite services give caregivers time to rest, recharge, and take care of everyday responsibilities, knowing their child is receiving supportive services. Families don’t have to do everything on their own. Behavioral health respite care is designed to support caregivers, strengthen families, and help everyone feel more balanced and supported because when caregivers are supported, the whole family benefits.
What is Behavioral Health Respite?
Behavioral health respite is short-term, temporary care for a young person
with significant behavioral health needs, provided by trained professionals.
It gives the primary caregiver a meaningful break while their child engages in
supportive, skill-building experiences with a trusted provider.
Behavioral Health Respite is designed to complement, not replace, the care families already provide. It is not childcare or babysitting, and it works best not as a standalone fix, but as one meaningful piece of a broader, coordinated care plan built around the unique needs of each child and family.
To see how respite can be tailored to your family’s needs, click here.
Family-Led
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You and your child know your family best.
In-Home Respite Care
A trained provider comes to your home. You can stay or step away while your child receives support with daily routines, social and emotional skills, and activities.
Youth-Guided
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Young people are active participants in planning their own care.
Part of a Care Plan
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Respite works alongside other services, not in place of them.
Types of Respite Care
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Real Results for Real Families
Families are experiencing meaningful support that helps them stay strong and thrive.
Center-Based Respite
Your child attends a structured, welcoming program at a facility, designed around their needs and interests.
Out-of-Home/Overnight Respite
Your child stays at a dedicated location for a longer break — from a few hours up to two weeks. This can be especially helpful during times when families need more rest.
Therapeutic Foster Home Respite
Your child stays with a certified foster family, ideally one who already has a relationship with your child.
Family-Provided Respite
A relative who does not live in your home may be able to serve as a paid respite provider.
Weekend/Camp-Style Programs
Structured weekend or summer programs designed with your child’s needs and interests in mind.
Benefits at a Glance
Stronger, more supported caregivers
Helps young people thrive within their homes and communities
Eligibility & Access
Behavioral health respite may be available if a young person:
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Has significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs
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Is enrolled in Medicaid
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Receives service coordination through a Family and Children First Council
Know someone who may qualify? Submit a referral to help connect them to behavioral health respite services.
Families have the support and stability they need to thrive
Build skills, confidence, and positive connections for youth
What Can Respite Look Like for My Family?
Youth will be actively involved in planning their own respite—their interests and preferences are important. This support works alongside the youth’s broader care, as one piece of the bigger picture. You and your family’s voice and experiences wil be valued and respected at every step of the way.
During respite, youth may engage in activities like:
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Daily Living & Self-Care — Building independence and confidence in everyday personal routines.
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Social & Emotional Skills — Practicing how to recognize and manage emotions, and interact positively with others.
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Recreational & Leisure — Fun, structured activities that encourage creativity, engagement, and physical well-being.
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Community Integration — Supervised outings that help your child practice life skills and build comfort in public and social settings.
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Skill-Building — Activities that reinforce your child’s treatment goals and support growth between formal services.
Caregivers are encouraged to use respite time for themselves; rest, pursue personal interests, connect with other family members, or simply breathe. Families don’t have to do everything on their own. Caregivers deserve time to rest, recharge,and take care of everyday responsibilities, knowing youth are receiving supportive services.
How to Get Started
Not sure where to begin? Here are some simple steps to help you get connected.
Is your child enrolled in OhioRISE?
Talk to your Care Coordinator — they can connect you with respite services.
Families without Medicaid may still access respite through private payment, grants, or local community programs.
Local Families and Children First Councils may also be able to connect you with support.