TOPSHAM — Peter Phair, Region 2 respite director of NAMI Maine, will present information on how to become a certified respite provider and how families can qualify for respite services for children with special needs at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Percy’s Burrow, Topsham Fair Mall.

NAMI Maine Family Respite exists to assist families by enabling a much needed break in the responsibility of caring for a child with significant developmental delays and behavioral or emotional disorders.

NAMI Maine Family Respite certified providers are available to care for children with special needs in their communities, while earning additional income, so that their parents can get a break. Families are encouraged to find relatives, friends or others who know the needs of their children to apply to be certified providers.

Providers are hired as per diem employees and can work up to 30 hours weekly. Learn how to provide short-term relief for families of children with special needs at the informational session.

Phair is responsible for promotion, recruitment and development of respite systems, support and personnel in Kennebec, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties.

The NAMI Maine Family Respite program can be reached at [email protected] or call 622-5767.