Philosophy of Care

STARRY's mission is to support children, youth and parents in crisis through services that protect, educate and promote strong families.

Through our Philosophy of Care, we believe:
• The social, emotional, developmental and spiritual needs of children and young  persons are best met in a safe and structured environment.
• In respecting the values, needs, cultures, resources and strengths of children, youth and families while encouraging development of life skills and resources.
• In utilizing the strengths of children, youth and families to make positive improvements in their lives by empowering them:
    o To participate in making decisions about their care plans
    o With opportunities for spiritual growth
    o To gain the self-confidence needed to promote effective communication and healthy relationships
• In helping make the transition from crisis to healthy living as smooth as possible.

Program Objectives

Emergency Shelter:

Our Emergency Shelter Program aims to:
• Provide 24-hour assistance in a nurturing environment that promotes the safety, welfare and well-being of children and youth in temporary care.
• Offer services that focus on the child’s educational, social, emotional and individual health while building on their strengths.
• Develop positive goals with resident input, encouraging and supporting each child in his or her efforts to achieve these goals.
• Support and nurture the child’s cultural and religious identity.
• Offer on-site counseling to all children and youth in care.
• Provide residents with staff who display positive Christian values.
• Utilize the community and volunteers to enrich the lives of the children we serve.
• Recognize and support the direct childcare specialists who devote their time and energy to helping children heal.

Foster Care:

Our Foster Care Program aims to:
• Provide 24-hour assistance and support to foster parents and children.
• Provide applicable and specific ongoing training to foster parents to help them improve their skills in working with children.
• Support reunification with the birth parents when appropriate.
• Assist in providing services such as attachment therapy, family therapy and individual counseling.
• Meet with children individually to ensure their placement in the least restrictive environment and with the lowest number of placements.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to foster and adoptive parents as well as their birth children, adoptive children, and foster children.
• Recognize both staff and foster parents for their dedication to caring for children.
• Meet the spiritual needs of foster children by providing them with a secure church home and the opportunity to learn and grow in the Lord.

Counseling Program:

Our Counseling Program aims to:
• To meet the needs of the entire family by helping parents, children and the family strengthen relationships and support positive and lasting change by:
    o Leading skills-based groups for youth of all ages and varying needs.
    o Providing families with structure, skills and a safe space to be heard.
    o Setting goals, establishing boundaries and finding resources.
    o Identifying skills to move towards a positive outcome from their current situation.
    o Learning and practicing honest and open communication.
    o Forming healthy habits and lifestyles.
    o Recognize strengths as individuals and as a family.
• Work together as a team to find the best possible solution for families in need by:
    o Providing a sounding board for questions, concerns and conflicts.
    o Teaming with other agencies and resources in the community for a comprehensive approach to problem solving.
    o Seeking continued education and training to build skills and knowledge in counseling methods, approaches and techniques.
    o Encouraging and enforcing self-care.