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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

Encouraging Growth Through Literacy

During the 2025 Christmas season, parishioners of the Church of the Beloved Disciple in Grove City, PA, participated in the church’s annual angel tree program...

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CARE

Cornell CARE and the Developmental Interactions Workshop Series

George Junior Republic staff recently completed the first session of the Developmental Interactions Workshop Series, a Cornell CARE-informed training focused on the everyday moments that...

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CARE

Understanding CARE Through Ethnography

George Junior Republic recently welcomed a Syracuse University researcher to campus for an ethnographic observation study focused on everyday interactions, routines, and experiences in residential...

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GJR youth holding their certificates of completion.
CARE

Building Safe Connections in a Digital World

Thanks to the COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program, funded by DCED in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Broadband Digital Authority, George Junior Republic created a...

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CARE

Behind Every CARE Moment Is a Caring Employee

Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day by honoring the caring staff members behind everyday CARE moments. Discover how compassion, consistency, and connection help create lasting impact for...

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CARE

Reflections from NAMI Keystone PA’s Youth Mental Health Conference

GJR reflects on NAMI Keystone PA’s Youth Mental Health Conference, highlighting brave youth speakers, meaningful connections, and expert-led breakout sessions on today’s most pressing youth...

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CARE

CARE Language Swaps

Discover practical CARE language swaps that help staff set clear boundaries while supporting regulation and dignity. This post includes before and after phrasing for common...

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CARE

Building a Culture of Encouragement at GJR

At George Junior Republic, Valentine’s Day is a time to recognize coworkers, not romance. For the third year in a row, staff across all GJR...

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CARE

SN15 Takes Teamwork on the Road

SN15 took a community outing featuring roller skating and rock climbing to practice teamwork, perseverance, and confidence—bringing CARE principles to life through healthy, supported challenges.

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CARE

Karaoke Night Builds Confidence in SN17

When winter weather keeps youth indoors, karaoke is a fun, structured activity that builds confidence, connection, and emotional safety. Youth in Special Needs 17 (SN17)...

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CARE

Work That Makes Everything Else Possible

Behind the scenes at George Junior Republic, our warehouse and maintenance teams keep campus life running. From delivering clothing, meals, snacks, and essential supplies to...

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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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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

Cookies & Cocoa With Santa

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name...

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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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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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Keep Kids Safe

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Children’s Health Insurance Program

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Get Suicide or Mental Health Crisis Help (988)

The 988 Lifeline provides, free and confidential support over call, text, or chat for people in distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Empathetic, trained professionals are here to provide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones
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Substance Use Prevention

Through using data, prevention science, communication, collaboration, and strategic program investments, SAMHSA envisions a future where individuals, families, and communities are healthy and thriving.
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Mental Health for Children and Families

Talking to children about mental health and illness can be an opportunity for parents and caregivers to provide their children with information, support, and guidance.
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