Why do children come to live at Florida United Methodist Children's home?
Children come because of sexual abuse, other physical abuse, abandonment or because of family breakdown due to divorce, drug abuse, illness or death of a parent. There may be neglect, or conflicts that have made impossible a normal family life. A majority of referrals now come from family, schools, courts or other agencies. Each child is evaulated to see if the program of the Home can be of help.

What is the life of a child like at the Home?
Children live in one of eleven cottages. Each has a therapeutic capacity of eight residents and their cottage parents. No more than two residents share a room. Meals are prepared by members of the cottage as a "family" group. Menus are supervised by a dietician to ensure that a wholesome, balanced diet is available. Residents share chores in the cottages and are responsible for their own rooms.

What religious opportunities are available?
The religious life is vital to the program of the Home. Residents and cottage parents regularly attend Sunday morning chapel and Wednesday night vespers. A full time chaplain is part of the Home's staff. Many of the children share in leadership for the Sunday morning service through leading worship, sharing in special music, or as ushers or acolytes. Residents use their tithes and offerings to support mission projects beyond the campus. By learning of and responding to the needs of others, the residents learn to care for themselves. The residents have the opportunity to commit themselves to a God who loves them and seeks to guide them to a full life.

Where do the residents of the Home attend school?
Our campus residents' ages range from 5 to 18 and are enrolled in local public schools from kindergarten through high school or junior college. A highly trained educator, who is a staff member, evaulates each incoming resident to make the proper placement in school. Tutoring is available to help each student. Cottage study time is a regular part of each school day.

Are residents provided the opportunity to attend college or university?
Opportunities are available for residents who qualify for higher education to attend Florida colleges and universities. Many residents recieve advanced training in vocational skills in place of formal higher education. Educational financial support is most needed for high school tutoring and vocational training. Strong efforts are being made to endow the campus educational program.

What recreational opportunities are available?
In addition to the regular school programs the residents have many opportunities on campus. Trained staff persons supervise recreation activities. An essential part of the recreation program is our Certified Ropes Course which helps youth to develop self-esteem, improve self confidence and learn to trust themselves, their cottage mates and adults. Many residents participate in the camping program of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church which provides spiritual and recreational opportunities as well as the chance to make new friends. Individual cottage "families" make trips off campus for recreation or entertainment events.

What does the Home do about health care needs?
The Home has a staff registered nurse. Area doctors and dentists are available as needed. Physical examinations are required before placing a child at the Home, both for the well being of the child and for the health and safety of those already on campus. The nurse keeps track of health records, immunization and monitors any prescribed medication.

Is counseling available to the residents?
Each child has a counseling session each week. One therapist is assigned to each cottage and works regularly with each resident to implement a plan of care that is determined shortly after arrival at the Home. Numerous therapeutic opportunities besides counseling are available; Chapel and music, education, recreation, life skills, hobbies, and crafts, horticulture and the vocational support center are among the most active.

How long do children stay at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home?
The length of stay for a resident varies from a few weeks to several years. The extensive counseling services of the Home available to children and their families have helped the Home to be responsible to state regulations in reducing time necessary for a child to remain in the care of the Home. Each child is an individual and the time in residence will be influenced by the complexity of the problems they and their families face and the progress they can make in dealing with those problems. The best interests of the child are always of primary concern to the program of the Home.

What are the qualifications of cottage parents?
The Children's Home looks for cottage parents who are commited Christians and have a genuine concern for the well being of children and youth. "On the job" training and supervision are provided by highly qualified staff members. It is helpful to have couples as cottage parents, but cottage parents include single and married persons who range in age from young adults to those of mature years.

How large a staff do you have?
The Children's Home has eleven cottages which each require two, sometimes three, cottage parents on duty at all times. About forty cottage parents are needed for regular and relief supervision. One therapist in each cottage provides regular counseling for their assigned cottages, independent living and where needed as well as former residents in academic facilities. Several persons are needed for maintenance responsibilities for 32 buildings on campus. The financial resources Development Office provides staff and materials to help persons and churches understand the program and ministry of the Home. The small administrative staff provides supervision for all phases of the campus program. Tutors, vocational and horticulture specialists, and relief switchboard operators make up a large number or part-time personnel. A large number of volunteers reduces staff size and work load.

How is the Children's Home financed?
Each year, on average, about 85% of our total funding comes from private sources. Strong church support enables the program of the Home to maintain its ministry as a Christian outreach of our commitment to children.