The Children’s Home on the island of St. Kitts, a 30 year
old facility, is a non-profit organization which houses runaways,
child victims of abuse, children who have been
relocated by the courts or by Social Services, abandoned
children, and orphans. Most of the children will be at the
home until they are 18 years of age.
Tangible Deliverables
The Children’s Home provides shelter, food, clothing, and
education for any children who have been legally displaced
from their families. The home accommodates 25 children,
and currently houses 15.
Competitiveness - Efficiency of the Delivery System
The Children’s Home adjusts its workforce to match
the number of children present. At any given time, the
Children’s Home has two full time employees, and 20
volunteers to support their efforts. The “Den Mother” is
responsible for the cooking and for ensuring the general
cleanliness and maintenance of the house. The support
person helps the children with their personal issues, as
well as with adjusting and fostering of healthy relationships.
This person would also ensure that the children can
manage their homework and school related issues. A social
worker visits with the children regularly. When the house is
at capacity, another worker will join the team to help manage
the house in any areas that are strained.
Competitiveness - Financial Efficiency
The home has arranged to have all utility bills waived by
the utility companies as a form of charitable contribution.
The building housing the children is fully owned by the Children’s
Home. All of the donations made to the Children’s
Home are spent directly on the children. Administrative
costs, including worker salaries, are fully subsidized by the
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Any surpluses from the
Government contributions provide additional support for
the children in the way of food or clothing, or towards other
living expenses.
Management Accountability
The Home is managed by the Ministry of Health and it has
a volunteer Board of Directors. Any interested investor is
welcome to make monetary donations or donations in kind
toward a specific need of the Home and donations are followed
by a report on how the donation was spent or used.
Sustainability
The Home fully supports the education of the children
staying there. Regrettably, there will always be a need
for a place of refuge for abused or otherwise legally displaced
children.
“The Children’s Home provides
shelter, food, clothing, and
education for any children who
have been legally displaced
from their families.”
Volunteerism/Recruitment The “Friends of the Children’s Home” is a group of past
residents of the home and persons from the community.
They engage in monthly discussions on local issues and
take the children on educational and social field trips.
The “Friends of the Children’s Home” provides regular
support and companionship for the children and currently
has 20 volunteers.
