Innovations in care for children separated from parents Transitioning from residential to family models of service
The Problem Research suggests that children develop best in families, but millions currently reside in residential care centers. Many residential care centers wish to transition to family-based models of care, but lack practical guidance and support.
The Solution Understanding the process and outcomes for NGOs that have already made the transition from residential to family care offers valuable insight about what is most effective, and can guide programs that desire to change their model.
A care model transition requires significant strategy, time, and resources. How can organizations who desire to transition their model of care learn from those who have already done so?
According to survey data from...
39 Non-
Governmental Organizations
serving
12,325 children & 29,499 families
22
in countries
who had already transitioned or were in the process of transitioning their programs:
The Concerns Child safety Funding and resources Fearing resistance from key stakeholders ‘Would the children not be neglected and abused?’ 'Traditional orphan care still attracts far more interest and support.'
The Deciding Factors Examining outcomes for children Recognizing the insufficiency of the residential model An increased awareness of the need for children to be in families ‘Through our experience with running an orphanage and finding out that many orphans have family and miss them, we did some small-scale re-unifications and these children thrive better within their family system.’
The Process The Results Child well-being Family empowerment Increased impact ‘Children thrived. Not just one child [was] supported but the whole family.’
‘Internal assessment, evaluation and brainstorming was key.’ ‘Becoming more intentional and proactive in supporting parents of children who were placed in our residential home to set them up for successful reintegration.’
Revising strategy Raising awareness Engaging families
The Barriers Funding for additional staff Stakeholder resistance Training & support National laws
Programmes perceived the change in the model was better for the families and children served.
Innovations in care for children separated from parents Transitioning from residential to family models of service
Recommendations for programmes desiring to transition to family care
Raise Awareness The transition from residential to family care cannot happen without the investment of programme stakeholders. It is vital they understand both the need and opportunity for children to be in families.
Assess the Current Situation Assessment of both the programme and the broader system are important precursors to developing a transition strategy.
Develop a Strategy for Growth Changing placements can pose a significant risk to children if not planned and executed with caution.
Engage Children and Families As a change in the service model will have a substantial impact on their lives and wellbeing, it is vital to work with children and families to develop a plan in which they are invested.
Learn from Evidence Programmes exist that have completed successful transitions from residential to family care. Learning from what has and has not worked can be helpful during the process of transition.
Secure Resources Most programmes will have an initial increase in costs. Thus, committing to raising more funds will be an important step in the early stages of transition. Furthermore, it is important to communicate with current donors and encourage them to support the transition.
Monitor Progress In order to maintain positive outcomes, programmes need to prioritize monitoring and evaluation to ensure continued success.
The Bottom Line Research is clear that children develop better in families, and global policy supports transitioning from residential to family-based model of care. However, this cannot be accomplished without the involvement of the programmes, leaders, staff, and other stakeholders who currently care for millions of children in residential settings.
Learning from NGOs that have already made the transition from residential to family care offers valuable insights about what is most effective, and can underpin guidance for programmes who desire to change their model. Based on research by Nicole G. Wilke & Amanda Hiles Howard