DES MOINES, IOWA (September 13, 2023) — Ellipsis has set in motion a much-needed respite program for kids and families in central Iowa. The service provides the help and rest period kids and families need when challenges seem too difficult to conquer on their own. While some of Ellipsis' similar services are court-ordered, respite care is a voluntary program that allows kids and families a chance to take a break before a breaking point is reached.
Ellipsis, a youth services and shelter organization serving nearly 600 central Iowa kids and families daily, helps kids and families overcome turbulent pasts to build successful, rewarding futures. As such, Ellipsis is always looking to expand our full range of services.
Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers and allows kids in crisis to have a safe space to recoup. Through this offering, Ellipsis serves kids ages six to seventeen who may be at risk of entering the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. Families dealing with a variety of challenges including mental and behavioral health concerns benefit from this program.
“Whether in-facility supports or community-based programs, we know that our kids and families often need to utilize more than one Ellipsis service at a time to reach their goals,” said Chris Koepplin, Ellipsis CEO. “It’s important for us to have a program that provides short-term relief for kids and families when they need it so youth have a safe space to stay and can be connected to more services after their respite stay, if needed.”
Since April 2023, Ellipsis has served seven youth in this program, but we have received about seventy calls from families interested in the program. We believe this program will be even more utilized by families in our community in the future.
“Screening in this program is crucial to make sure kids and families are best served through respite,” said Nikki Thomson, Ellipsis chief clinical officer. “When families are interested in respite, we walk them through some other potential options so we do what we can to keep families together and in a familiar environment. We say, ‘Is this the best option? Is there a more comfortable, home-like place for them to stay, or can a safe and trusted adult come to the home to give the family a break?’ We are often able to refer families to our longer-term supports.”
What does respite care entail?
- We have between five and ten beds available for short-term overnight stays (less than 72 hours).
- Our program is staffed by trained and qualified shelter staff at a ratio of three staff to ten kids.
- During respite care, we assess and refer kids and families to services and support systems that provide long-term help.
- Our respite program is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
How can kids and families access respite care?
- Call 515-243-3459 and dial one for a crisis call.
- Families can be referred by schools, law enforcement, hospitals, health providers, therapists, service providers, and other families who have been served by Ellipsis.
- Kids and families can receive care by visiting 918 SE 11th St in Des Moines. Park on the north side of the building.
- Ellipsis staff will screen kids to determine eligibility for respite programming.
What are some scenarios in which a family might take advantage of respite care?
- A parent has to go to the hospital and has nowhere for kids to stay.
- A guardian is evicted, and the adult shelter does not accept kids.
- A parent is unexpectedly out of town or incarcerated, and kids are left alone.
- Another guardian is temporarily unreachable.
About Ellipsis
Established in 2021 with the merger of Youth Homes of Mid-America and Youth Emergency Services and Shelter, Ellipsis offers resources and programs to meet the needs of Iowa’s youth and families.
An ellipsis takes the place of words left unsaid and symbolizes the potential for a new direction in a story. By providing much-needed opportunities for healing and growth, Ellipsis helps children and families in Iowa rewrite their stories when they need it most, resulting in tangible, life-changing differences in Iowa’s communities.
