By Cassie McQuitty, Christ’s Haven CEO

At Christ’s Haven, we care for the whole child. Our approach includes more than just food & shelter but also making sure a child’s physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual needs are met. Part of that includes surrounding each child with a network of support both at Christ’s Haven and in our community.

Relational permanency, rather than just legal permanency, is gaining traction in foster care after the results of a study of long-term outcomes for youth who transition out of the state foster care system. The Texas Youth Permanency Study (TYPS), published by the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing at the University of Texas at Austin, recommendations were, “The foster care system must redefine success around child wellbeing, specifically three interdependent factors: strong relationships with adults, a sense of normalcy and crucial life skills.”

This study underscores the importance of Christ’s Haven’s core values of Normalcy, Dignity and Hope. Ensuring that the children and families we serve have trusted adults in their lives through houseparents, mentors, and community volunteers is critical to every aspect of our program.