In this short video, Jeremy Kohomban, CEO of Children’s Village, describes the obligation to completely re-envision residential treatment, rather than make improvements around the edges.
What children need most are love and belonging, and the security of a family. But residential care cannot provide children with these essentials, which Jeremy Kohomban believes ultimately results in youth feeling hopeless.
According to Jeremy Kohomban, Children’s Village — which began as an orphanage but has since reformed its business model to reflect a continuum of care — developed its new vision based on the conviction that even the best residential facility is no substitute for the healing power of family. This led to a commitment to reconnect all children to their families or, if that is not possible, create new lifelong families for them.
Casey Family Programs consults with individuals and teams across the country to compile research, experiences, and insights about approaches that can safely reduce the need for foster care and ensure the well-being of children and families. We share this information broadly to help child welfare leaders and their partners tackle similar issues in their own communities. For questions about this resource, or if you have other child welfare information needs, please email kmresources@casey.org.
