C.A.R.E.
TRANSITION FRAMEWORK
A Help Desk for Child Welfare Practitioners Exploring a Transition to Family Care
What is the CARE Transition Framework?
This framework was developed to guide practitioners that are exploring the potential of transitioning their orphanage to a family based care organization. There are a number of valid reasons that people might find themselves at this decision point. Reasons may include financial pressures, government mandates, ethical considerations or other factors. However you’ve come to this point, this framework can help you consider what it takes to transition to family care.
CARE is not meant to be a comprehensive transition resource, but a practical and accessible tool for those on the journey. We encourage you to get personalized support by emailing our team at hello@1millionhome.com
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Plan, restructure and prepare your team for the transition
ASSESS FAMILIES
Find families, assess situations and prepare for reintegration
REINTEGRATE CHILDREN
Responsibly reintegrate children back to their families
ENVISION THE FUTURE
Dream up your future impact and tap into resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reintegrate children?
Typically reintegration will take place following weeks or months of preparation time for the children and their families. Practitioners carry the tension of not wanting to move too fast which could put the child at risk in an unprepared or unsafe family, while also not allowing the child to linger in residential care which is also traumatic. Reintegration requires careful preparation, establishing a case management system and strengthening the whole family.
What is family tracing?
Family tracing consists of the activities done to gather information and locate the parents, extended family or legal guardian of the separated or lost child. It is the beginning of the assessment process and is an initial activity anytime family separation has occurred. In family tracing endeavors, every effort should be made to ensure a safe connection is established to build towards a sustainable placement.
What about children in residential care?
For however many children that are remaining at a residential care facility, limiting community spread is still imperative. Though children in congregate care are at a higher risk of infection, there are still ways to reduce the chance of contagion.
Should we check on family after reintegration?
Depending on how urgent a family’s situation might be, your staff should plan to be in contact with the family 4-7 days a week. Calls should be varied between connecting with children directly (if they are at an age of effective phone conversation) and their caregivers. To learn more about contacting families, visit this FAQ page.
What if we need more training on Reintegration?
In collaboration with our regional partners, we have developed an online training platform and resource to show how you can safely reintegrate children into families. You can enroll for free by clicking on this link: JOURNEYHOME.
What if the family asks for money?
This question requires discernment and for each organization to determine for themselves according to their mission and organizational model. Cash transfers to vulnerable families carry some risk that should be considered before executing. We all want the best for the children and money to the parents may help or hurt depending on the situation and the organization. If you are thinking about giving direct money, click the FAQ to read a couple considerations.
C.A.R.E. Knowledge Base
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Change Management
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Assessing Families
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Reintegrating Children
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Envisioning Future
- What do I say to my donors?
- What do I do with my short term missions teams?
- How do I advocate before the local government?
- What is the government policy framework where I work?
- How do I shift my staff towards family based care?
- What do I do if none of my staff, or not enough of my staff are social workers?
- Articles coming soon
Family Assessment
- What is the purpose of the family assessment?
- How do I facilitate a family group discussion?
- How do I assess an emergency family placement?
- What can I do about a child who refuses their family or would rather go to the streets?
- What do we do about children in our care who need medical supervision or intervention?
- What are the desired outcomes of assessment?
- What are the necessity and suitability principles?
Family Strengthening
Placement
Case Management
What if you became...
- What if you became a trauma-informed care training organization?
- What if you started doing prevention work?
- What if you launched community-based programs?
- What if you mobilized local pastors to care for families?
- What if you provided care, counseling and reintegration for street connected children?
- What if you supported other orphanages to transition?
Collaborative Efforts
1MILLIONHOME collaborates with global child welfare leaders experienced in reunification work. With the help of 1MILLIONHOME, these key leaders are helping more children return home – equipping orphanage directors with resources and support, implementing best practices, and generating leads of orphanages wanting to transition to family-based care.
1MILLIONHOME is grateful for opportunities to collaborate with the following leaders in reintegration work:
