"I see brighter things for me now. Like I really have more self-confidence in myself. That I can do anything that I put my mind to."
Rebecca Simmons, Foster Child

Lasting Changes
    
Of the estimated 276,266 children who exited foster care during 2009, 11 percent exited because they were emancipated. Those 30,389 children must find a way to adjust. (www.childwelfare.gov)

INCREASE THEIR CHANCES: A few things that Gatewood Children's Homes does to increase the chances of success outside of the system include:
* Individual Tutoring: Academic assistance tailored to each individual's needs
* Conflict resolution: Licensed Clinical Social Workers counsel the girls to provide tools and techniques for dealing with conflict in their daily lives.
* Building Self Esteem: A series of sessions are given to teach the children how to love themselves and cope with the anger and grief associated with separation from loved ones.
* Independent Living: Providing residents with the skills they need to succeed-cooking, cleaning, job training and money management.
(www.gatewoodchildrenshomes.com)

COMFORT MATTERS: Creating a place where children can truly be at home is very important. Physical characteristics of a facility can directly impact children's attitudes towards their stay, which in turn, directly impacts their progress. A stable home environment will foster comfort and inspire growth.
(www.gatewoodchildrenshomes.com)

WHO GETS TO STAY AT GATEWOOD? Gatewood House is open to girls between the ages of 13 and 17, who have been placed in the care of social services or the juvenile justice system as a result of any combination of the following issues or experiences:

Behavioral Disorders
Dysfunctional Family Relations
Learning/Developmental Disabilities
Physical/Emotional Abuse or Neglect
Parental Substance Abuse
(www.gatewoodchildrenshomes.com)