Casey’s Place Respite Program
Casey’s Place, located in Syracuse, provides short-term respite services for Central New York youth, up to age 26, who have developmental disabilities and/or complex medical conditions.
Casey’s Place provides a break for caregivers while providing a safe, nurturing, accessible environment assisting children in developing socialization skills and peer relationships and offering recreational activities in a home setting and in the community.
“Casey’s Place has meant so much more than just a respite house to our family. Often, siblings of children with disabilities tend to come second to the needs of the child with the disability. What Casey’s Place has done for us is allowed us to give our other children the much needed attention that they miss. We have taken our other children on long hikes, whitewater rafting, and even vacations that are extremely difficult to bring Adison on. At the same time, it has given Adison space to be crazy herself, to enjoy friends, and activities, and to be loved at Casey’s Place. I’m not sure how we could have grown as a family without the love and care Casey’s Place showed not only Adison but our entire family. We will always be grateful for the thoughtfulness and selflessness of the staff, the donors, and Casey’s family. Casey Crichton and her parents have left an everlasting impression and legacy on this community.” – David and Valerie Capriotti
Respite programs include:
- Overnight Weekend
- Intensive Behavior Respite
- After School
- Medical Weekend Overnight
- School Holiday Breaks
- Summer Day Program
Admission to Casey’s Place Respite Programs requires New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (NYSOPWDD) eligibility and enrollment in the OPWDD Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver or enrollment in the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) 1915C Children’s Managed Care Waiver.
Referrals to Casey’s Place for OPWDD youth are submitted to Elmcrest by OPWDD care coordinators and for youth enrolled in the 1915C Waiver by the child’s Managed Care Coordinator. Referral Link
For additional information, please contact Elmcrest Disability Services:
Ashley Shumpert (315) 492-9990, ashumpert@elmcrest.org
Director of Disability Services – Elmcrest Children’s Center – Casey’s Place
Elmcrest Children’s Center is proud to announce the launch of a new Intensive Behavior Respite Program at Elmcrest at Casey’s Place, located at 228 Lafayette Road in Syracuse. This new program provides short-term, therapeutic respite services for youth ages 5–26 with OPWDD eligibility, including individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, or dual diagnoses who experience high behavioral needs.
This important new program is made possible through the generous support of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, whose continued investment helps strengthen community-based services for children, youth, and families across New York State.
Supporting Youth and Strengthening Families
Families caring for children and young adults with significant behavioral needs often face intense daily demands and limited access to specialized supports. Elmcrest’s Intensive Behavior Respite Program was created to meet this need by offering a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment where youth can build skills — while caregivers receive meaningful relief and support.
The program provides short-term respite services during after-school hours, school breaks, and summer months in a highly structured and secure setting. Services are delivered in a welcoming, home-like environment at Casey’s Place that prioritizes safety, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
“Families caring for children and young adults with significant behavioral needs are often under tremendous pressure,” said Diane Nappa, CEO of Elmcrest Children’s Center. “This new Intensive Behavior Respite Program allows us to support the whole family — providing youth with therapeutic, skill-building care while giving caregivers the relief and reassurance they need. We are deeply grateful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for making this vital new program possible.”
Who the Program Is For
The Intensive Behavior Respite Program serves youth ages 5–26 who may require 24/7 supervision due to:
- Aggression or self-injurious behaviors
- Elopement risk
- Difficulty with emotional regulation
Participants must have OPWDD eligibility and may include individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, or dual diagnoses.
What Makes This Program Different
Elmcrest’s Intensive Behavior Respite Program takes a person-centered, collaborative approach, supported by a highly trained clinical team and evidence-based practices. Program highlights include:
- Behavioral Specialist on site
- Registered Nurse (RN) support
- Initial 1:1 supervision, with a focus on skill-building toward increased independence
- Evidence-based behavioral interventions
- Active family involvement and consistent communication
The Casey’s Place facility includes a high-tech sensory room, observation rooms, and an accessible playground, creating an environment that supports both therapeutic care and positive engagement.
A Partnership That Makes a Difference
Elmcrest is deeply grateful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for its commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening systems of care throughout New York State. Their support makes it possible to launch programs that reduce caregiver burnout, prevent out-of-home placements, and promote stability and well-being for families.
Learn More
Families and referral partners interested in learning more about the Intensive Behavior Respite Program at Casey’s Place are encouraged to contact:
Ashley Shumpert
ashumpert@elmcrest.org
(315) 492-9990
Bob and Sue Crichton, along with a small group of dedicated parents, embarked on a mission fueled by love and necessity to create Casey’s Place, a beacon of hope and respite for families facing extraordinary challenges. The genesis of Casey’s Place traces back to the profound experiences of the Crichton family, particularly their daughter Casey, whose premature birth catalyzed a journey of compassion and advocacy.
In 2002, amidst the backdrop of a severe homecare nursing shortage, Bob, Sue, and fellow parents rallied to raise an impressive $1,000,000. This financial feat was not just a fundraising milestone but a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to supporting families with medically fragile children.
The vision for Casey’s Place was born from a desire to provide solace and support for families grappling with the relentless demands of caring for children with serious disabilities.
Sue Crichton, alongside Diane Nappa and other mothers, initiated a support group, driven by the shared quest for respite amidst the ceaseless demands of caregiving. From this collective dream emerged the tangible reality of Casey’s Place—a sanctuary where families could find reprieve, rejuvenation, and companionship.
Tragically, Casey’s journey ended before she could experience the haven named in her honor. However, her indomitable spirit lives on, infusing Casey’s Place with a profound sense of purpose and legacy. The Crichtons take pride in Casey’s enduring memory, which symbolizes not only respite for parents but also joy and adventure for children who revel in sleepovers, parties, and summer camps within the welcoming embrace of Casey’s Place.
Valerie Capriotti beautifully encapsulates the transformative impact of Casey’s Place on her family’s life. Beyond offering essential respite, Casey’s Place has provided invaluable opportunities for siblings to thrive, for children to embrace adventure, and for families to grow together amidst adversity. The staff, donors, and the Crichton family’s boundless love and dedication have sculpted Casey’s Place into a cherished sanctuary, leaving an indelible mark on the community—a testament to the enduring power of compassion and selflessness.
