Children's Services
Children are a vital component of the population served by Doorways. Over half of the individuals entering Doorways’ programs are under the age of eighteen. They often enter the shelters still
fearful of the environments they have fled, and anxious of what is to come.
Doorways Children’s Support Services provides all parents with one-on-one and group support to enroll children in school and find child care, medical care, and recreational and social programs to support their child’s academic achievement and socio-emotional development.
Last year Doorways approached every parent and child entering our programs with a holistic model of care and provided one-on-one support. Doorways expanded our Children’s Support Services to include a second Children’s Specialist for the Family Home and a part-time Mental Health Specialist to help children heal from trauma. These critical expansions were made possible through a three-year grant from the Vicki Collins Fund, as well as funding from Boeing Employees Community Fund, CSG Foundation, Children’s Fund of Metropolitan Washington, Clark-Winchcole Foundation, and Friedman, Billings & Ramsey.
In FY 07, Doorways’ Children’s Support Services achieved the following results:
• 80 children and 52 parents were served, including 181 individual sessions and 22 group sessions.
• 100% of school-aged children in Doorways’ programs enrolled in school and 85% benefited from tutoring assistance.
• 94% of children received mental health assessments upon admission and were referred for follow-up care as necessary.
• 100% of children were assessed for medical needs and received necessary immunizations and medical care.
• 96% of children became active in extracurricular activities that helped build self-esteem through partnerships with schools, YMCA of Arlington, The Reading Connection, and Arlington County Parks and Recreation.
• 181 sessions led by our trained, master’s level Children’s Services Specialist helped parents improve their parenting skills.
Doorways’ Children’s Services Program ensures that children’s special needs are met by providing individualized assessments and plans for each child who walks through our doors. Doorways also offers support to parents through in-shelter parenting groups, referrals to community play groups and parenting classes, along with one on one support.
Success Story
Bobbi and her three children came to Doorways’ three times. A survivor of childhood abuse and trauma herself, and having grown up in multiple foster homes, Bobbi lacked the life skills to be independent and provide for her children. In addition, Bobbi did not know it at the time, but she suffered from a severe cognitive disability, leaving her with limited understanding of adult concepts. As a result, Bobbi and her children lived in multiple homes, often with abusive partners and in overcrowded conditions. Her children never attended the same school for more than one year, lacked nutrition, and regular health care.
Each of Bobbi’s children struggled with significant educational and behavioral challenges stemming from the trauma and disruption they routinely experienced throughout their young lives. Jonah (age 9) was several grade levels behind when he arrived at the Family Home. Brianna (age 11) was mentally delayed and had significant emotional and behavioral issues both at home and at school. Jasmine (age 12) was also diagnosed with severe learning disabilities and had recently joined a gang. Both Brianna and Jasmine were obese and suffering from related health issues and concerns.
After three years of intensive, holistic services including our Children’s Services Program, Bobbi and her children are thriving. Bobbi has sustained permanent housing for four years and counting, with all three children progressing in all aspects of their wellness. Jonah is an honor roll student.
After receiving more extensive medical evaluation, Brianna was diagnosed with Lupus and is now connected with an appropriate array of medical, nutritional and mental health services. Jasmine is engaged in socially positive extracurricular activities which support her physical health and keep her interacting with positive peers.
For more Doorways success stories, click here.