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GJR in PA has contracted with Cornell University to implement the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) program, a promising, evidence-based model developed by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC). CARE motivates children and staff to adhere to routines, structures, and processes while minimizing the potential for interpersonal conflict.

CARE

Unpredictability Raises Stress

Western Pennsylvania’s freeze–thaw winter cycle creates constant change: icy sidewalks, slush, cancellations, and shifting routines. Learn how unpredictability can increase stress and how steady routines,...

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CARE

When Winter Keeps Us Inside

When winter keeps youth indoors, staff creativity becomes essential. In SN 17, a simple balloon volleyball game turned a long winter day into movement, laughter,...

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CARE

Why Mentorship Matters: Bigs and Littles on a Global Stage

Discover how GJR’s Bigs and Littles mentorship program builds meaningful relationships through community connection and is gaining global recognition.

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CARE

Creating a Sense of Home for the Holidays

Creating a Sense of Home for the Holidays As the holiday season approached, cottages and units across campus were decorated, creating warm, welcoming living environments...

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CARE

A Holiday Reminder of What Truly Matters

This holiday season, GJR’s Bigs & Littles Mentorship Program created a powerful reminder of what truly matters. Youth and mentors wrapped empty boxes to symbolize...

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CARE Fundraising

Giving Beyond the Deals

Black Friday reminds us that while many families are shopping for holiday gifts, others will wake up on Christmas morning with none. At George Junior...

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CARE

A Thanksgiving Tradition Rooted in CARE

GJR’s annual Thanksgiving feast brings campus together for a warm, family-style celebration. For youth who may not go home or have never experienced Thanksgiving, this...

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CARE

Inside the GJR in PA Program Center

Discover how the GJR Program Center creates meaningful, relationship-building experiences for youth through recreation, celebrations, and supportive services. From a movie theater and pool tables...

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CARE

Wellness Support on Campus

The Wellness Center at GJR provides coordinated, trauma-informed health services to support the whole well-being of youth on campus. With on-site medical care, nutrition support,...

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CARE

SRU Therapy Dogs

Each Monday, therapy dogs from Slippery Rock University visit campus to bring comfort and companionship to youth who are away from home. These visits provide...

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CARE

Balancing Safety and Support

A moment of tension at the Pew Counseling Center turned into a powerful example of teamwork and relationship-based care when staff used CARE principles to...

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CARE

Strong Connections Building Stronger Futures

The Bigs and Littles program at George Junior Republic fosters mentorship, friendship, and personal growth. Through shared activities and guidance, youth build confidence, develop life...

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CARE

Advancing Education Through Technology at GJR

Thanks to a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, George Junior Republic received 42 new HP EliteBooks to help youth...

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CARE

The Role of Visitation in Youth Growth

George Junior Republic’s Visitation Center offers a safe, family-friendly environment where youth and their loved ones can reconnect through meaningful activities. Guided by the CARE...

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CARE

Working Together for the Best Interest of Every Child

This article highlights the career journey of Jenn Freed, Campus Director at George Junior Republic. From starting as a Clinical Manager in 2007 to earning...

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CARE

Meeting People Where They Are

At George Junior Republic, the Transportation Team practices CARE by meeting youth where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and situationally. From first impressions to daily support, drivers...

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CARE

Building Stronger Connections

Building Stronger Connections: Patterson Finds Creativity in Clay At George Junior Republic, the CARE model doesn’t just guide how we work with youth; it also...

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CARE

CARE as an Evidence-Based Practice

In a multi-site study, CARE implementation yielded monthly reductions of 3–8% in behavioral incidents, while child-staff relationships and perceptions of safety improved significantly. Recognized as...

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CARE

You Have to Feel It to Heal It

This blog post highlights how CARE principles are transforming Secure Detention into a space where young people feel safe, respected, and supported. Through personal stories,...

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CARE

From Correction to Connection: CARE in Juvenile Justice

This reflection highlights the impact of implementing CARE within juvenile justice facilities. The author, new to CARE, shares how small, intentional actions—such as easing anxiety,...

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CARE

The Comfort and Cost of Familiarity

Jolie forms an immediate bond with a person served due to their shared Puerto Rican heritage. Initially, this connection creates comfort, but as the “honeymoon...

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CARE

Real Change in Team Mindset

Over the past two years, Andrew Johnson has witnessed a powerful shift in how CARE is being understood and implemented at George Junior Republic. Through...

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CARE

From Crisis to Connection: One Youth’s Turning Point

This powerful reflection shares a firsthand account of how the CARE model transforms moments of crisis into opportunities for connection, healing, and growth. Through the...

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CARE

From Skeptic to Advocate: Embracing the CARE Model at GJR

In this reflective post, a dedicated staff member at George Junior Republic shares her journey from CARE skeptic to passionate advocate. Drawing on years of...

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CARE

Why We Chose CARE

Why We Chose CARE: Building a Culture of Relationships, Respect, and Resilience At George Junior Republic in PA, our mission has always centered around helping...

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Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018

 

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), enacted in 2018, aimed to reform the foster care system in the United States by emphasizing family-based care and prevention services. This shift has had a significant impact on the number of residential treatment facilities (RTFs) available for children and adolescents.

 

Here are some key reasons for the decline in RTF numbers. 

 

1. Focus on Preventive Services: The FFPSA encourages states to invest in preventive services that support families and help keep children at home rather than placing them in institutional settings. This shift means fewer children are entering RTFs as families receive more support to address issues before they escalate to the point of needing out-of-home care. 

 

2. Increased Emphasis on Family-Based Care: The act prioritizes family-like settings for children in need of care, such as foster homes or kinship care, rather than traditional residential facilities. This approach aims to provide children with a more nurturing environment, which has led to a reduction in the demand for RTFs. 

 

3. Funding Changes: The FFPSA alters the way federal funds are allocated, providing financial incentives for states to develop community-based services and support systems instead of relying on institutional care. This funding model encourages states to reduce their reliance on RTFs and invest in alternatives.

 

4. Regulatory Standards and Compliance: The act has also introduced stricter standards and oversight for RTFs, which may lead to some facilities closing if they cannot meet these new requirements. This has contributed to the overall decline in the number of available residential treatment options. 

 

5. Cultural Shift in Child Welfare: There has been a broader cultural shift within child welfare systems towards valuing family reunification and community-based care. This cultural change aligns with the goals of the FFPSA, further reducing the reliance on RTFs. 

 

Overall, while the intent of the Family First Act is to improve outcomes for children and families by keeping them together, it has also led to a notable decrease in the number of residential treatment facilities as the focus shifts toward more supportive, family-centered approaches.

Children and Residential Experiences (CARE)

 

The organization has contracted with Cornell University to implement the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) program, a Promising Research evidence-based model by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC). It motivates children and staff to adhere to routines, structures, and processes while minimizing the potential for interpersonal conflict, which is in compliance with the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018. 

 

Visit https://rccp.cornell.edu/CARE_LevelOne.html to learn more information.

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