Visiting Program

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PURPOSE…the Visiting Resource Program is an important part of the overall child care program at the American Children’s Home. Visits with Volunteer families give the children the much needed contact with people in the community in which they live, attend school and church. The program gives the child with few or no contacts with their natural families and opportunity to enjoy the benefits of family living and the opportunity to learn what responsibilities exist for those living in a family setting. Many of the children placed at the American Children’s Home have never experienced being an active participant in a stable, happy family unit. This experience is vital to the preparation of the children to accept their role as useful members of their own future families. The Visiting Resource Program can help achieve these goals when viewed as a serious responsibility by concerned families.

PROCEDURE…families who wish to become volunteer Visiting Resources should inquire by contacting one of the Home’s Social Work Staff or Human Resource Coordinator at the American Children’s Home.

A Visiting Resource application form is sent to the family or individual to be completed and returned to the Home as soon as possible.

After the application is returned, it is reviewed and an appointment is made by a member of Home’s Social Work staff to conduct the home study.

This consist of a home visit with the family in order to discuss the program and to assess the type of child that would best benefit from visiting.

The family has the opportunity to meet with the child being considered for visiting. The Social Worker will facilitate the initial meeting and also be available for any support needed by the family.

After a Visiting Resource has been approved, the Resident Counselor of the child will become an active member in arranging all visits. The Resident counselor has the authority to grant the child privilege of visiting with the family. No visit will be denied if at all possible.