Models of Care
A Family-Like Home Where Healing Happens
Our model of care is simple and deeply intentional: raise kids in a family-like setting.
Children who have been hurt through relationships are best healed through healthy relationships, and that truth shapes everything we do.
Firm Foundation Youth Homes is grounded in the principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) and Grace Based Parenting. Our homes are led by dedicated, trained staff who are equipped in our models of care so they can offer each child the best support possible — creating a nurturing, stable, and connected environment where every kid feels known.
Each child’s stay is unique. Our homes are their homes for as long as they need a home, even after they turn 18 and are no longer served through the state system. We continue walking with our young adults, offering community and guidance as they step into independence.
Why This Model Works
Since opening our homes, DCS Case Managers and partner professionals from across the social service community consistently affirm the difference they see in our kids.
It’s no surprise. Just as a seed thrives when placed in the right soil with sunlight and water, children begin to heal when placed in an environment designed for connection, consistency, and love.
When you put hurting kids in a connected family, healing happens.
But healing isn’t always easy. Building trust and feeling safe can be painful and slow. That's why our staff are trained in TBRI®, a trauma-informed approach designed specifically for children from hard places.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI)
TBRI® helps our team meet the physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of each child through three key principles:
Empowering Principles
Meeting physical needs and creating safety
Connecting Principles
Nurturing attachment and strengthening relationships
Correcting Principles
Addressing fear-based behaviors with compassion and structure
Grace Based Parenting
By Tim Kimmel
Grace Based Parenting anchors our relational approach and helps us meet each child’s deepest God-given needs.
One
A Secure Love
God purposely put a void in us that needs to be filled with love so that we might see our need for Him. Every child needs to know that they are loved totally and unconditionally. They need to know that our love is fully given and that it can’t be earned or lost. When they know they are loved, even when they feel unlovable, they will start to feel secure.
Two
A Significant Purpose
Every child carries a deep desire to know their life has meaning regardless of looks, talents, or performance. We help them see that their lives and actions make a difference in their home, school, family, and community.
Three
A Strong Hope
Hope is the magic ingredient that helps children persevere and gives that extra dose of courage when they need it. How much more so with our eternal hope. Teaching our children about this eternal hope, through our words and actions, arms our kids with one of the greatest weapons against despair. It gives them strength when they feel weak.
What Makes Our Homes Different
Our Model of Care creates an environment where:
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Children are treated like family, not case numbers
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Our trained staff work as a unified, supportive team
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Emotional and spiritual needs are seen as central
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Kids experience traditions, celebrations, and shared routines
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Every child has a voice and is treated with dignity
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Healing is expected—and supported—every day
We walk the long road with each child because relationship is the foundation of restoration.
Care That Continues Into Adulthood
Many young adults connected to foster care step into independence without a safety net. At FFYH, turning 18 never means the end of belonging. Through our Alumni Program, we provide ongoing support, mentorship, crisis help, life-skills coaching, and connection.
We’re committed for the long run because family doesn’t expire at a certain age.
Mission
How Faith Shapes Our Core
Everything we do flows from Christ’s example of compassion, grace, and truth.
We believe:
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Every child is made in God’s image
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Every child deserves love and belonging
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Healing happens in relationships
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God can redeem even the hardest stories
Our faith doesn’t sit on the sidelines. It informs the way we listen, respond, discipline, celebrate, and walk with each child.
