The Relief Nursery is a nationally recognized non-profit model that strengthens high-risk families and keeps vulnerable young children safe and healthy.  This model is unique in its delivery of comprehensive and individually responsive services supported by a strong public-private partnership with local businesses and other community leaders.  Although the individual list of Relief Nursery services are extensive, it is the combination of services and community leadership that make “the whole greater than the sum of its parts”. Viewed through either lenses of child, family and community well-being or fiscal responsibility, the Relief Nursery model clearly makes sense.   

A Relief Nursery is a sound investment in the future of children, communities and the nation.  Preventing child abuse reduces future needs and major expenses for mental health, special education, welfare, substance abuse, and prisons. The success of the Relief Nursery for thirty years inspired other communities in Oregon to begin Relief Nurseries with the support and guidance from the Relief Nursery Replication staff. Of date, the Relief Nursery has been successfully replicated in nine rural and urban communities in Oregon—all achieving the same strong outcomes.  Most recently, the Relief Nursery Board of Directors saw an opportunity and responsibility to begin replicating our model across the nation. Two Relief Nurseries are being replicated in Texas. The center is currently working with interested organizations in ten communities in the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia, as well as four additional communities in Oregon.

Based upon the best practices principles of replication and program fidelity research, The Relief Nursery Center for National Replication provides a carefully articulated and individually responsive replication process with written procedures, training, materials, and ongoing consultation and support. 

The Relief Nursery replication process begins at the first expression of interest with visits from leaders of other communities.  It moves to a formal process with signing of the replication agreement, with the replication process spanning approximately two years.  The replication team and Board members combine articulated standards and processes with flexible problem-solving, and support appropriate for each individual community.