concerned teen talking in therapy

In today’s fast-paced world, children often experience stress and overwhelm in their daily routines. Recognizing the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for young individuals, Beacon offers exceptional respite care services. Their aim is to support children aged 5-17 in Minnesota, allowing them to take a break from their typical routines or when their primary caregivers are unavailable. By prioritizing enrichment and positive experiences, Beacon strives to foster a sense of anticipation and routine in the young people they serve.

Child Respite Services

Beacon’s child respite services are thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and interests of each individual. Divided into two sessions, the care spans from 3:00 p.m. Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday for Session I and from 3:00 p.m. Wednesday to 11:00 a.m. Sunday for Session II. These time frames ensure that children have an opportunity to rejuvenate and engage in enriching activities during their respite.

Enrichment Activities and Community Engagement

Located centrally and in close proximity to various activities, Beacon’s respite sessions offer an array of opportunities for personal growth and engagement. With a dedicated 1:1 staffing ratio during the day, along with awake overnight staff, children receive attentive care throughout their stay. Beacon’s focus is on providing services that align with the individuals’ interests and priorities, creating an environment where their needs are genuinely understood and valued.

The respite care program encourages children to explore and try new experiences. Excursions to movies, libraries, parks, shopping centers, and more are incorporated to broaden their horizons and stimulate their curiosity. By introducing new environments and activities, Beacon aims to inspire personal growth and expand the children’s perspectives.

Self-Reflection and Personal Development

In addition to the engaging outings, Beacon offers self-reflection writing exercises that enrich the time spent in and away from respite. These exercises encourage children to introspect, express their thoughts, and engage with their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. By fostering self-awareness and emotional well-being, Beacon equips young individuals with essential skills that can positively impact their overall development.

Accessibility and Options

Beacon’s child respite services are primarily available for children aged 5-17 years in Minnesota. Typically covered under individuals’ waivers, which are set up by their case managers, Beacon also offers private pay and county pay options. This commitment to accessibility ensures that families have multiple avenues to access the beneficial respite services provided by Beacon.

Building Relationships and Routine

Beacon recognizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with the children they support. By creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, Beacon strives to establish a rapport where young individuals genuinely look forward to their time in respite and visit routinely as needed. This sense of anticipation and routine can provide children with a sense of stability, comfort, and personal growth.


Beacon’s dedication to providing positive and enriching respite care for children is commendable. By focusing on the individual needs and interests of each child, Beacon creates a nurturing environment where personal growth, exploration, and self-reflection are encouraged. Through their services, children in Minnesota can experience a break from their daily routines, engage in new activities, and establish meaningful connections. Beacon’s commitment to accessibility ensures that families have various options to access these invaluable respite services. Together, Beacon and the community are helping to shape a brighter and more fulfilling future for the youth in need of support and care.

Author

  • Alexander Furman

    Alex has been the Executive Director of Marketing for Beacon Specialized Living since 2021.

    alexander.furman@beaconspecialized.org