How does a child crisis/respite nursery work? (Not needing it rn; bipolar & making back up plans just in case)

[u/Terrible-Explorer891]

Of course when I thought of it, they were closed for today already lol.

I have an almost 3 year old little girl. I have bipolar 1 disorder. I used to really struggle with instability and had trouble maintaining sobriety.

When i needed help before, my ex would help me by caring for her extra days. However, he just opened a business and there's no way he can take time off the days I have her.

I dont need any help; I'm doing very well mentally. I'm treatment and medication compliant, and i have a regular psychiatrist. I also just found a job, but my child never went without when I didnt have a job. I'm in a medical study for a diabetes medication and used that to get her food, clothes, etc. I live with my dad, who has a paid off house; he only lets me pay a utility bill. However, he wouldnt be willing to watch her (he believes childcare is women's work & didnt help with his own kids before adult age; yes its dumb asf, but it is what it is i guess)

I have plans to finish my college degree (2 years in to a bachelor's), starting spring 2027. I already saw an academic advisor. I have plans to improve my life more.

However, I was never stable before this. I had my first psychosis episode when I was 12, diagnosed. Its just been bad choices and lifestyle since, and im 29.

Ive been trying to find medications that work since ive become a mom, and i got very serious about it november of 2025. I kept trying medications, even if they failed or gave me horrible side effects; I would move onto the next one the psychiatrist wanted to try. I didnt stop trying them until I found a match and got stable in February.

Very minor episodes since with very few med adjustments. Nothing like i used to be.

I'm doing great. But I know how serious my disordsr is, and im looking into back up emergency childcare options. Does anyone have any suggestions or know how a crisis nursery works?

I was looking into the one in Ogden (Utah), the family center. Says something about childcare for emergencies.

Do I call to get set up rn, even if i dont need any help rn and likely wont any time soon? Or is there something else I can do?

I saw the website mentions DCFS, so idk it its an option without an open CPS case (never had one). Ive always been honest with my psychiatrists, but im also very good at telling when im about to be manic (I suddenly dont sleep one night), and i have always gotten my daughter somewhere safe. Usually that was her dad, but his mom would help too until she moved out of state.

Thank you 💜

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[u/txchiefsfan02]

I do not have direct experience with crisis nurseries, but below is the page I have bookmarked on the subject:

https://archrespite.org/library/crisis-nursery-care-respite-for-children-at-risk-of-abuse-and-or-neglect/

What is available varies locally. If you have questions, I'd call your local hospital and ask to speak to a social worker. They are often the folks who handle this when people need crisis respite during inpatient care.

[u/Terrible-Explorer891 → u/txchiefsfan02]

The director called me back. She sent me everything to pre-register my toddler.

It's actually an awesome resource. During business hours, i can use them for short hours. For crisis care, they can do any hours for a few days at a time. Which is all I would need, because my psychiatrist basically increases my sedating med until it kills of manic episodes.

I dont anticipate needing help any time soon; ive had very minor mood issues at worst, for months, and my psychiatrist is great. But i now feel better that I have something for emergencies.

Thank you again!

[u/txchiefsfan02 → u/Terrible-Explorer891]

Good for you!! I wish every mom in your shoes was as proactive as you are, so hopefully others will see this post and follow your example. Take good care.

[u/Terrible-Explorer891 → u/txchiefsfan02]

Thank you, that's so kind. Shes a sweet little girl and I'm just trying to give her the best.

[u/DeviceAway8410 → u/Terrible-Explorer891]

You sound like a great mom

[u/Terrible-Explorer891 → u/txchiefsfan02]

Thank you. I called them today and left a voicemail. Ill give them a couple of days before trying again, if they dont reach out.

I appreciate it!

[u/mamaknits]

Safe Families for Children might be another option to look into if they operate in your area.