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Program aims to reduce risk factors and increases protective factors for children and youth by:

• Connecting children with positive adults (Kin caregivers)

• Educating and providing resources to relatives to navigate the complex system

• Increase formal and informal placement with relatives and paternal family

• Provide culturally specific training, such as 24/7 Dad's AM/PM curriculum, etc.

• Provide equitable case management services

Services including:

• Education: Helps educate and empower families to better navigate the complexities of the system. Provides resources that focus on navigating the court system and becoming a better parent, with an emphasis on fathers/father figures.

• Family Mentorship: Program replaces traditional case management by recognizing the oppression built into "managing family affairs". Mentors work with alongside families to educate, provide resources (i.e. swag bags, resource guides), and nurture familial bonds for improving the well-being of children and families. This service is currently offered in Saint Louis County.

• National Relative Search: Offers a relative search service to GKC families actively working with. This allows the family mentor to identify possible relatives across state lines to determine possible placement options and nurture familial connections.

• Support Groups: Provides a peer-to-peer support, for fathers and male care givers in south Saint Louis County

Support and assistance to foster care families by providing:

• 24-hour on-call crisis management

• Access to Village Ranch's "Continuum of Care"

• Assigned program coordinator/case manager providing weekly contact and support to the families

• Assistance in providing training and accessing community resources to meet the needs of the child and licensing requirements

• Assistance and support in addressing educational needs

• Development of placement plans, identifying goals, and monitoring progress toward goals

• Minimum of twice per month visits to the foster care homes and visits with the children in placement

Village Ranch will work collaboratively with the placing agency, families, the court system, and other individuals involved to support the child and the goals of the placement.