HISTORY

The Children's Attention Home, Inc. was conceived out of concern and compassion for abused, neglected, abandoned and homeless children. In 1969 it was brought to the attention of the Rock Hill Ministerial Association that these children had no place to go other than foster homes in which there were simply not enough. Consequently, there were desperate times when these children were being placed in jail for lack of shelter, there are still not enough homes to provide care for these children.

In the fall of 1970, a house was rented near Winthrop University in a quiet neighborhood, renovated, and the doors were opened to accept children who had been abused, abandoned, and neglected. The Home was started through the support of the community. Many people helped in the renovation and the start of the facility both manually and financially. All of these things were done with a genuine spirit of unity and mutual interest in the welfare of the children.

Since the Home first opened its doors, there have been over 5,900 children served by the Children's Attention Home. As each year of operation goes by, the Home grows and strengthens in all aspects. Accurate records are now kept on everything from the children to volunteers, contributors and employees. Long range plans are formulated by the Board of Directors and then tackled until they become reality.

The Children's Attention Home's main objective has always been to provide a temporary care facility in which a child can experience a loving and secure family life until the child's own home conditions are corrected or a permanent home can be found. The Children's Attention Home continues to fulfill this objective after 37 years of operation.

Recently, the Children’s Attention Home’s Charter School was started to extend this objective by providing a secure, skill based educational experience for our children in grades K-8. With small teacher to student ratios, the children are able to move forward with their education while dealing with turmoil in their lives.

PHILOSOPHY

The Children's Attention Home, Inc. believes in the value of human life and the right of that life to be safe and secure. The Home offers respect, unconditional love, security, and dignity to all those we serve. We provide for the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual care of our young residents. The principles of honesty, justice, and concern for others direct us. We serve without prejudice and for the betterment of those lives entrusted to us.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Children's Attention Home Inc., provides emergency residential shelter and supportive services for abused, neglected, and abandoned children ages birth through 17 years who have been identified at risk of harm in their present condition of living arrangements, and/or if the child's parent or guardian cannot or will not provide safe and adequate care.

WHO WE SERVE

The Children's Attention Home is a non-profit 24-hour emergency shelter and long term facility for children who have been removed from their homes for abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. The three buildings are licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services and together can serve up to 36 children. Originally, the home opened its doors in 1970 and has served victimized children from across the state of South Carolina. The home continues to serve children from all counties in South Carolina.

Children may stay at one of the Home's two emergency shelters for up to 90 days while the Department of Social Services conducts an investigation of the child's home, a Family Court hearing is held, and a treatment plan is presented.

The Home's long-term shelter houses children that have stayed in our emergency shelter and continue to need placement indefinitely or until their cases are resolved. During their stay, the children continue to work on their basic living skills, job skills, and participate in local community sports and clubs.

Every child who comes to the Children's Attention Home is a unique individual who receives special attention for special needs. Often, the only love and kindness some of these children have known will come from being a resident of the home. The staff and volunteers provide a secure environment, which meets both physical and emotional needs of these young victims.

All children who reside in the Children's Attention Home are engaged in physical, educational, and recreational activities. With help from local donors and supporters, the Children's Attention Home has taken children to pro football, basketball and baseball games, local restaurants, movies, museums, on camping and beach trips and many other places that they would normally not have the opportunity to attend.

Since its establishment in 1970 by the Rock Hill Ministerial Association, the Children's Attention Home has provided temporary shelter for more than 5,900 children.