Innovation "The best way to predict the future is to create it."
- Alan Kay
Innovation is sometimes slow to come to a system as large as child welfare. At Crossnore Communities for Children, we want to be on the forefront of such innovation, while we practice our commitment to growth and change for the good of those we serve. For the last few years, we've looked at ways to better serve children and families in Western North Carolina. We've asked the question, "Can we serve children in a way that keeps them safe and more connected to their homes?"
placement at both 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals. As we have begun serving families in this program, we are seeing positive results right here in our own community. The second program is Bridging Families, led by Adam Jarrell, Senior Director of Residential Services. The program started on our Avery campus and we are currently hiring staff to expand the program to Winston-Salem. Bridging Families is a pilot program that aims to connect the entire family with the compassionate and knowledgeable staff and services at Crossnore.
The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Through the work of our Programs division, led by Sarah Norris, Ed.D., Chief Program Officer, two new programs have been built at Crossnore. The first is Homebuilders®, an evidence-based program that works with families who are at imminent risk of separation due to involvement with the Department of Social Services (DSS). Homebuilders is led by Angela Squire, Senior Director of Prevention Services. The first Homebuilders team is currently working from our Winston-Salem campus.
Families identified by DSS are eligible for Bridging Families. Their children live in a Crossnore foster home with professional foster parents. These foster parents do not work an outside job. Rather, they devote time and energy to caring for the children and working with the birth parents to facilitate family reunification. The program is successful because of the array of supports and services offered, such as trauma-informed therapy services, care coordination, education support, evidencebased parent education, live coaching, and a supportive team.
This program provides short-term, 4- to 6-week intensive, focused support and interventions for these families. The data shows that more than 75% of families engaged in Homebuilders services were able to stay together and avoid foster care
Innovative programs such as these are designed to meet the needs of children and families where right where they are. In this way, we are helping create a brighter future for these families as we walk alongside them on their journey home.
HOPE | 2021 Annual Report 8
