The Respite Weekend Program at New Life Youth and Family Services

The purpose of the Weekend Respite Program is to provide young people currently involved in New Life's community based programs with safe, structured and effective weekend intervention in order to address behavioral problems or a worsening family situation. In doing so New Life hopes to interrupt a progressive pattern of behavior that could ultimately lead to a young person being detained or sheltered. It is further hoped that effective weekend respite will strengthen and support current programming that a resident is receiving in another community based New Life program.

The Weekend Respite Program provides two full days (48 hours) of non-secure residential placement for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. Through direct observation and interaction, respite staff provides structure and accountability while addressing the physical, emotional and social needs of each resident. In addition, each resident entering the program is provided with the guidance, support and stabilizing influence of a structured environment.