The methods of caring for orphaned and abandoned children are changing. The goal is family preservation rather than institutionalization. We want displaced kids to come out of their childhood and be as well adjusted as possible. The best way to do that is through them growing up in a loving family atmosphere. When the family is unable or unwilling to care for children, living in residential, family-style care provides opportunities for caregivers to more easily build into kids and give them the attention they need, and also to build sibling-type relationships with others in the same housing unit.
Several of us from Hands and Feet Project had the opportunity to attend a symposium on family preservation in Port-au-Prince and learn from some experts in the field. We attended seminars on child protection, attachment disorders, cultural differences, dealing with special needs, mental health care, handling challenges in rural communities, reunification and communication. There were 100 people from a variety of organizations learning how to improve themselves and the level of care they provide. Just being away from campus for a few days was, well, a bit of a relief…until we got back to our apartment!
One of the many things that drew us towards working with the Hands and Feet Project (HAFP) is that they are keeping up with research and best practices, and updating their methodologies on a regular basis. HAFP already prioritizes the family by providing jobs and job skills to nearly 100 staff on our campus alone. Income for one person often makes a positive impact on another 10 family members. HAFP also works with social services to reunify children with family whenever possible. For other children, HAFP provides residential, family style care with a Haitian caregiver caring for about 7-8 children. We have seen reunifications of kids on our campus and we are working on several more.
It looks like the time for large orphanages with few staff are coming to a close with a shift towards reunification and family-style care. There’s still a massive orphan crisis in Haiti and other places, so this shift will take time. As we move forward, we’ll keep you updated on further progress on our campuses as we continue to strive for reunifications and providing jobs in order to keep families together.
Thanks for your support in helping us impact the lives of so many children and families. If you would like to partner with us or provide a special gift towards our work in Haiti, you can make online contributions at www.haiti.denran.net/donate.htm. Checks can be written to Hands and Feet Project and mailed to:
Hands and Feet Project
Attn: Denise & Randy McGarvey
P.O. Box 682105
Franklin, TN 37068
Upcoming trips to Haiti are listed at www.handsandfeetproject.org/trips. We’d love to see you here!