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Opening your home… and your heart… to a child in need

Opening your home… and your heart… to a child in need. Orphan Hosting Programs. Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name, welcomes me. –Matthew 18:5. All volunteer run program Founded in 2010 Registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization

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Opening your home… and your heart… to a child in need

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  1. Opening your home… and your heart… to a child in need Orphan Hosting Programs Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name, welcomes me. –Matthew 18:5

  2. All volunteer run program • Founded in 2010 • Registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization • Serves limited geographic area (east coast of USA) • Focus is ministering to the children Open Hearts and Homes for Children

  3. Program Goals: • Educational -Children learn English, American Culture, gain new experiences • Advocacy-Raise awareness of orphan crisis • Adoption -Many host families go on to pursue adoption of their host child • Hope -Children gain hope for a future & build positive relationships Overview of Hosting Programs

  4. The Host Families: • May be single or married couples • Must meet application requirements - Home inspection by social worker - Background checks and clearances - Interview - Training • Pay / fundraise to sponsor child’s trip costs • Provide for child’s needs (clothes, food, etc) • Encouraged to maintain relationship with children Overview of Hosting Programs

  5. Host parents attend an 8-hr training covering topics such as: • Safety issues and guidelines • Communication techniques • Establishing rules with the children • Common medical issues • Coping with anger and difficult behaviors in children • Effects of institutionalization, neglect, and trauma • Attachment and bonding issues • Cultural background on Latvia and Ukraine as it relates to orphan care Host Family Preparation

  6. The Children: • Orphan children, school age (8-15yrs old) • Come from orphanages or foster families • Recommended by social workers, orphan court directors, orphanage staff, foster parents • Interviewed in-person by hosting program interview team • Should be able to acclimate to life in a family and able to handle the travel Overview of Hosting Programs

  7. Give a child HOPE for a future • Opens their eyes to the world outside of the orphanage • Allows them to experience life in a functional family • Builds self confidence • Develop positive relationships • Advocacy for children who have no other options • Raises awareness of the plight of orphans Benefits of Hosting

  8. 1 in 3 will be homeless • 1 in 5 will commit a crime • 1 in 10 will commit suicide • 60% of the girls will be trapped in prostitution • 70% of the boys will become hardened criminals • Less than half will live to age 20 Eastern European Statistics* *reported by Home for Good Foundation

  9. Children recommended by professionals/foster parents • Interviews conducted by hosting program interview team • Descriptive photo list provided to potential host families • Family contacts host program to inquire about children, host program staff help make sure it is an appropriate match • Host family completes application process, obtains approval to host a specific child • Social worker visits the family’s home • Host program provides training to prepare host family • Host program provides list of selected children & family documentation to Latvian coordinator Hosting Process

  10. Latvian coordinator handles in-country paperwork (orphan court approval, passports, visas) and preparation of chaperones • Children travel to America with chaperones • Host families greet children at the airport • Children partake in every aspect of family life • Families complete weekly reports on child’s progress with follow up from a Social Worker • Chaperones have regular contact with child and host family while in America • Children return to home country at end of program • If host family desires to adopt, host program refers them to accredited adoption agency Hosting Process

  11. Data reported by Open Hearts and Homes for Children hosting program Outcomes of Hosting

  12. Adequate child:chaperone ratio (10:1) Additional chaperones for children with special needs • Cooperative efforts with sending country (providing and receiving information) • OHHC’s supportive relationship with family to ensure child’s success • Protect child’s privacy yet provide pertinent information to help prepare family • Provide feedback (report) to Orphan Courts about child’s experience after the program • Receive feedback from Orphan Courts about child’s experience in order to better the program OHHC Host Program Standards

  13. Goal: Give Hope Being a voice for those who have none

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