PLATTSBURGH -- Behavioral Health Services North's Child & Family Respite Program serves 20 families but has just two respite providers.

"It's essential that we get more people to give respite to families," said Melanie Bouchard, respite coordinator. "The number of children we have that need this service far outweighs the number of providers we have for them."

To balance those odds, the program is holding an informational Open House on Wednesday. Attendees can view materials, talk to staff, current respite providers and enjoy refreshments.

"Our program serves children with emotional and behavioral problems," Bouchard said. "All of our kids have mental-health diagnoses. Respite is a form of allowing the parents and children a much-needed break from each other. That works in a lot of ways to help families having difficulties at this time.

"Having a respite provider come in and play this role allows the families to get relief and decreases the amount of emergency services and crisis intervention needed."

Respite providers interact with kids the same way they would any child, according to their needs, Bouchard said.

"They bake cookies, play games," she said. "Some people go hiking with the kids, camping. The go bike riding and for walks ..."

PAID POSITIONS

The self-esteem of children is built in part through their positive connections with the respite providers, who support the parents as well. Children range in age from 5 to 17.

"This is a great way to help out in the community, give back to the community and help families stay together because these are the services they need to succeed as a family."

The Respite Program seeks hourly and day respite providers as well as overnight respite providers. These are paid positions. Overnight respite providers receive $47.50 a day. The new hourly rates have yet to be established. Providers undergo a 30-hour training at the agency.

"It's a paid service. It's a difficult decision for people to make. We just started doing day respite in the past month or so to get it organized and coordinated. We hope to have a lot more providers, since we've taken out the necessity to have the extra bedroom."

Providers must be over the age of 21 and possess good communication and coordination skills.

"On a basic level, they should love children and be willing to work with children with high needs and be able to set firm boundaries."

THERAPEUTIC