Respite Ready Training Strengthens Community Support for Youth Behavioral Health

Families of children with behavioral health concerns often rely on relatives, friends, and other trusted adults for backup and short-term relief, particularly during periods of stress or emerging issues. This informal support, known as respite care, can give parents and guardians a needed break, while helping families stabilize more quickly and avoiding unnecessary visits to ERs and crisis centers. Many people in our region are already providing this type of support, or would like to, but may not feel prepared or confident in their ability to care for young people with behavioral health challenges.

To strengthen these informal respite networks and improve support for youth and families, the Central Oregon Health Council, NAMI Central Oregon, and the Central Oregon System of Care have partnered to offer Respite Ready: Central Oregon, a free community-based training that will equip trusted caregivers with practical knowledge and skills to safely support youth and respond appropriately when challenges arise.

“What’s exciting about Respite Ready: Central Oregon is that it shows what can happen when community partners move from shared understanding to shared action,” said COHC Program Manager Mary Burns, who led the initiative. “Fifteen organizations came together to identify critical youth mental health needs in our region. Respite Ready grew from that work, with COHC, NAMI, and the System of Care designing a practical program informed by parent feedback that helps friends, family members, and neighbors feel more prepared to step in and give caregivers a much-needed break.”

Respite Ready: Central Oregon is a free 2-hour training that provides practical tools for community members who help care for young people experiencing mental health challenges. It is not a professional certification or clinical training. The program will help build broader readiness in the community to identify concerns early, respond safely, and escalate appropriately and will strengthen the network of caring adults supporting young people and families across Central Oregon.

“We have the power to create the kind of community we want to live in—one that is caring, loving, and supportive. Respite Ready reminds us that we can help shape the next generation by learning to soothe instead of escalate, create connection instead of conflict, and care for ourselves while supporting youth with mental health challenges. Now, more than ever, we need to embrace the idea that raising healthy, resilient kids is a community effort, and recognize that every family deserves support, rest, and a community that shows up for them,” said Casey Munck, regional director of NAMI Central Oregon, who will take the project forward.

Respite Ready: Central Oregon training sessions will be offered in Bend, Madras, and Prineville. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.