Child Hope recently conducted a comprehensive training session for an orphanage situated in the central plateau of Haiti. The training, conducted online, aimed at enhancing the staff’s capabilities in carrying out family reunifications.
The training involved seven staff members – the orphanage director, a social worker, and several nannies. Their entire team is now well-equipped to address the diverse needs of both the children and their families throughout the reunification process.
The family reunification process involves a series of carefully planned steps to ensure a successful transition for the children returning to their families:
- Family Tracing: The initial step involves finding family members and constructing a comprehensive family tree. This process is crucial in understanding the child’s background and establishing connections with their relatives.
- Assessments & Training: Financial, psychosocial and parenting assessments are conducted to gauge the readiness of both the child and the family for reunification. Biblically-founded parenting classes are offered to equip families with the necessary skills for a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Home Visits: Recognizing the challenges faced by children separated from their families for extended periods, the program includes home visits. These visits help the child become familiar with their family environment, ensuring a smooth transition. Short visits and longer overnight stays are arranged to facilitate reintegration.
- Counseling & Spiritual Support: Acknowledging the emotional and psychological challenges of the reunification process, counseling and spiritual support are integral components. Both the child and family members receive assistance in preparing for the transition, fostering emotional well-being.
As the orphanage prepares to implement this training in the coming months, it demonstrates a shared commitment to reuniting children with safe, loving families and fostering lasting positive change in the lives of Haitian communities.
