Supporting children means equipping the families who will welcome them home
At Forever Changed, our mission has always been to care for children. Over the years, that mission has grown as we’ve looked for new ways to help children thrive, not only while they’re with us, but long after they leave our care. In recent years, Guatemala’s courts have placed a greater focus on reunifying children with relatives whenever it’s safe and in the child’s best interest. While family members are being evaluated and prepared, some children stay in our home through our Foster Program.
As this program developed, we were also asked to offer a School for Parents, a series of classes designed to help caregivers prepare for the responsibility of welcoming children into their homes and creating a safe, healthy environment where they can grow. This program brings together every department at Forever Changed.
Our social worker, Ingrid, coordinates communication with the families, organizes visits, and schedules the classes. Each month, a different team leads the training. Our director, Alejandra, explains: “Our social worker, Ingrid, is the one who stays in direct contact with the caregivers. She coordinates everything, but each month a different department leads the classes. Caregivers receive training in health, education, psychology, and social work, so they’re equipped to care for their children in every area of life.”
After each class, caregivers have the opportunity to spend time with their children. These visits help preserve the bond between children and their families while giving caregivers the chance to put into practice what they’re learning. These moments are important for everyone involved. Children are reminded that they haven’t been forgotten, and caregivers continue growing in the skills they’ll need when their children are ready to return home.
Our psychology team develops much of the class content, answers parents’ questions, and observes family interactions during the visits. Their guidance helps families build healthier relationships and prepares them for a successful reunification. We’re grateful to be part of this journey.
Because of your support, families in Guatemala are learning healthier ways to parent, children are staying connected to the people who love them, and cycles of hurt are beginning to break. Thank you for making it possible to strengthen not only children’s lives, but entire families.