Children Are Our Future

Residential Treatment Facilities

 

FACT SHEET

Overview:

Children Are Our Future (CAOF) is a non-profit organization that provides home-style residential living, treatment and positive direction for teen-age boys and girls, who have been abused, abandoned and/or neglected. CAOF currently operates 13 homes in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Since its inception, the organization has cared for more than 3,000 adolescents in family style group homes. The homes are all located in pleasant, residential neighborhoods, providing a secure and inviting environment. CAOF serves only a fraction of the 10,000 abandoned and abused adolescents in Los Angeles.

 

Mission:

To provide victimized adolescents in critical need with high quality programs and services, which nurture and enhance positive growth and productive adulthood.

 

The Program:

The children served are referred by social services agencies and county probation departments. Nearly all have never experienced a normal home life. Our homes are staffed with trained professionals who serve as surrogate parents. They offer a nurturing, caring direction to help these troubled adolescents recognize and pursue opportunities that were previously beyond reach. Counselors and therapists work with our kids to teach them appropriate behavior to deal with the challenges they will face. In addition, family counseling, community participation and social skills development are integral components of the CAOF commitment to end the cycle of abuse. 

 

The CAOF Philosophy:

To achieve the most benefit for our kids, we believe their participation must be voluntary. They are given the opportunity to make choices and the problem solving tools to make these decisions wisely.  

 

Learning and Enrichment 

Most of our children attend public schools in the neighborhood. Those who show more academic discipline and achievement may be placed in private schools. We strive to make available a full range of experiences. For those interested in sports, we encourage them to participate. Whether playing organized team basketball or pick-up games of flag football. Our Youth Enrichment Services (YES) center teaches life skills and academic tutoring that significantly benefit our neglected children to help them become productive members of society. (See attached for breakdown of services.)

 

Financial Support

Financial grants from government agencies represent 100% percent of the CAOF current annual budget. Foundations and personal contributions make up the balance. Expansion of CAOF to serve a larger number of abandoned and abused adolescents is dependent on increased financial support.