Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many children live at The Children’s Home?
A: There are no longer children living here. Our residential services were discontinued in 1998, allowing children and families to receive services in their own home, school and community settings.
Q: Isn’t The Children’s Home an orphanage?
A: No, though the agency was founded as such with the mission of caring for the poor and abandoned children of Cincinnati. Throughout our 147-year history, our services and programs have changed to consistently meet the needs of our community. Today, we provide special education and mental health treatment services on our campus and in home, school and community settings.
Q: If no children live here, why are you called The Children’s Home?
A: Our name continues to reflect our beginnings as a home for children in need. The word “home” now refers to our current position as the home of quality services for children and their families. Today, our focus is on providing services that enable children to live and thrive in their own home environments.
Q: What is The Children’s Home?
A: Founded in 1864, The Children’s Home is a private, nonprofit agency that transforms the lives of vulnerable children and their families through services in special education and mental health treatment. Our 20+ programs and services guide children and their families facing social, behavioral and learning challenges toward successful functioning in their homes, schools and communities. Over 6,600 children and their families were served last fiscal year.
Q: What population do you serve?
A: We serve children from prenatal to age 18 (or 21, in some cases) and their families in the Greater Cincinnati area. The agency provides programs and services for a wide variety of children and families; some are designed to meet very specific needs or populations (such as mental health issues), and many others (such as Camp-I-Can) are available to any child and/or family. We serve children and families from all walks of life that are experiencing social, behavioral or learning challenges. We primarily focus on those most vulnerable and without the resources and supports necessary to succeed in their homes, schools and communities.
Q: How are these families referred to you?
A: Many children and families are referred to us by community sources such as schools, hospitals, social service agencies, etc. Others are referred to us by those who have benefited from our services. Families enroll in programs and services on their own as well.
Q: How is The Children’s Home funded?
A: The agency is funded through a combination of program fees, government contracts, grants, contributions and investment revenue.
Q: How can I help The Children’s Home?
A: There are many opportunities available to support The Children’s Home and its mission. Monetary gifts, in-kind items, matching gifts and volunteer activities are gratefully accepted. The agency also offers planned giving opportunities such as charitable bequests, charitable gift annuities, gifts of real estate or life insurance benefits, and named endowment funds.
The Children’s Home also benefits from introductions to individuals, companies or other sources interested in supporting services to children and families. If you would like to discuss any giving opportunity, simply e-mail the Vice President of Development or call (513) 272-2800.