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Each year House of New Hope serves more than 300 children; the
majority of whom have been traumatized by the effects of physical or sexual abuse. While most begin
their journey feeling scared and vulnerable, through the help of House of New Hope staff and the
goodwill of our donor community, more than 95% are reunified with their families, adopted or
involved in independent living initiatives.
Trauma Informed Care
The past two decades have seen
dramatic changes in our understanding of the effects of exposure to traumatic events in the life of
a child, causing mental health and contributing other disorders such as health problems, substance
abuse problems, eating disorders, AIDS/HIV, behavior problems, academic problems, interpersonal
dysfunction, and contact with the juvenile justice system. To make matter worse, failure to promote
healing usually results in an adult who will live a shortened life or one with diminished
quality.
As a trauma informed agency, our
programs and services are based on an understanding of the vulnerabilities or triggers of trauma
survivors that more traditional foster care agencies may actually make worse by re-traumatizing the
child through “old school” behavior management programs and an emphasis on
punishment.
Our foster parent training curriculum
provides every foster parent the skills they need to actually assist in the healing of a
traumatized child. Having turned our backs on behavior control, behavior modification, behavior
management or other forms of "discipline" that fail to specifically address the consequences of
trauma in the child, our sole focus is on facilitating real healing. House of New Hope's treatment
foster care program recognizes the survivor's need to be respected, informed, connected, and
hopeful regarding their own recovery.
House of New Hope utilizes the evidenced-base practice of
Nurtured Heart and the promising practice of Emotional Regulatory Treatment as our primary trauma
informed treatment models.
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The Story of
Nicole
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At the age of 3 years, Nichole was removed from her home after
it had been reported by neighbors that she was being left alone for
days on end. when the police came to her home, they found Nichole
living in filth, unwashed, under-nourished and developmentally
delayed. Her mother was nowhere to be found and did not return home
for over 24 hours. Her mother was charged with neglect and Nichole
was placed in foster care with House of New Hope.
After 14 years in foster care, Nichole graduated from her school
with honors; a special accomplishment in light of the fact that
only 50% of foster children in America actually graduate. Nicole
credits her foster parents with her accomplishment stating, "they
genuinely cared about me, loved me and guided me through the bad
times and the best of times."
At House of New Hope, more than 95% of our treatment foster
youth graduate; a large percentage going off to college.
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"There is nothing more satisfying than making a great match between a child in need and
a treatment foster family that will meet their needs. Everyday, however, I have to
turnaway children and youth in desperate need of a treatment foster family because we
just don't have the that special family who can take in the child. Here's the great
news, YOU can be part of the solution. Become a foster parent today!" |
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Brenda Pack
Director of Foster Care bpack@houseofnewhope.org |
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"Be Part of the
Solution. Become a Foster Parent"
Growing up happens in a heartbeat. We all have fond memories of
playing with friends, vacations with the family and our first kiss. Even now, we can smile and take
comfort in remembering the smell of mom’s perfume or that very special dish that grandma used to
make us.
Unfortunately, for about 17,000 children in Ohio, these memories
are merely dreams. For these children, their days are filled with fear, anxiety and guilt. Their
dreams reflect the ugly reality of abuse or neglect.
If you have the time and the courage to help a child trust an adult
again, move beyond their trauma-induced behaviors, and really heal their heart, then House of New
Hope Treatment Foster Care Program is the place for you.
For more information about becoming a Treatment Foster
Parent
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