Hope Center For Children

Geographic areas served: Spartanburg County, South Carolina

Programs: Residential programs: we provided around-the-clock care for 208 children of all ages who are victims of abuse/neglect. We use the evidence-based teaching family model and strive for a "home-like" environment with low staff to child ratios; this helps improve teaching and children's abilities to form trusting relationships with adults. Last year, 100% of children were safe, 95% (in our longer term program) showed improved social skills, and 100% of spartanburg county children in emergency placement were transported to their home school district to avoid school disruption. All seniors were accepted to and plan to attend college (with scholarship money)! Facility and program licensure through the sc department of social services was maintained.

empowering families: this program provides a risk assessment and case management to lower risks of child abuse/neglect. Families are referred by the department of social services when there is no confirmed child maltreatment but risks in the home (social isolation, difficulty meeting a child's basic needs, inappropriate discipline, etc. ) are a cause of concern. This year the program served 838 families (1,796 children). 100% of families completing services showed a decrease in risk factors based upon successful completion of case plan goals; 92% completing services had no future confirmed cases of child maltreatment.

family strengthening: this program uses two evidence based programs (teaching family model and triple p) to achieve excellent outcomes. This year, one-on-one, in home services were provided to 115 families (253 children). A pre and post test showed that 87% had a better bond with their children at program end and 75% had improved family functioning. This voluntary program targets families who: are under increased stress; have increased risks of children becoming first time victims of child abuse/neglect; have a child with a mental or behavioral disorder.