Family Support and Crisis Services
New Crisis Respite Residence
On July 1, 2010, FREE established our third Crisis Free-Standing Respite (FSR) home located at our former Melville FSR. The Melville Crisis Respite provides overnight short-term crisis and assessment services for up to four individuals simultaneously who reside in the community independently or with family. The program goals of this service are to provide support and structure for individuals experiencing behavioral, emotional, and family challenges, and to assist others who support the individuals in providing the necessary supports needed to facilitate the individuals successful return to their preferred living environment without the need for a more restrictive residential placement, often allowing families to remain intact. Individuals receive careful assessments and skilled interventions leading to comprehensive recommendations for specific treatment services and other supports prior to discharge. These recommendations are clearly described and documented for individuals, family members, and other supports to assist in the person’s successful return home. We are committed to helping the individual, his or her family, and his or her entire support team through each crisis, typically avoiding psychiatric hospitalization, police or legal involvement, or other more intrusive and restrictive interventions. Our Crisis and Assessment programs integrate differently abled individuals back into the community with a sense of dignity and an appropriate level of freedom and risk. Following discharge, the Melville Crisis team completes frequent routine follow-up supports and services to help ensure that the individual maintains his or her success in their regular living environment
Assessment and Crisis Services
Assessment - The Assessment and Crisis Residences were developed to provide support and structure for individuals experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges. Various assessment tools and techniques are utilized to evaluate each individual. Recommendations for treatment plans are made to help stabilize the individual so that they can return to their usual living environment. The program is committed to helping the individual, family and treatment team through the crisis, thus avoiding psychiatric hospitalization. Our Crisis and Assessment programs strive to integrate differently abled individuals back into the community with a sense of dignity, respect and well-being, while supporting the families and/or agencies to support the individual.
Free Standing Respite Services
Free Standing Respite Services - Family Residences’ Respite Program provides services for developmentally disabled individuals living with their families. These services include overnight and hourly visits of up to 30 consecutive days. The Respite Program focuses on recreation and community integration while providing the program participant with a fun, relaxing "vacation" atmosphere. The Respite Program has locations in both Suffolk and Nassau County. Each home can serve up to four individuals at one time under 24 hour supervision. The program focuses on social interaction and leisure time activities on an individual basis.
I love coming to Respite because I get to be with my friends and go out in the community. I love to paint and color with my friends.
Marlin age 16, Consumer
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At-Home Respite
Services provide temporary relief for families or other caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. Respite is offered in and outside of the home, and is available during the day, evening, and overnight. The services are scheduled and time-limited, and is intended to allow families time for errands, vacations, and other planned activities.