12 Step Transformation Programme

'Street Child to Happy Child'

Since 1993 the Happy Child vision has evolved into an effective programme, transforming the lives of thousands of street children and helping many to return to their families, communities and society.

Today, our plans to meet this growing crisis means that each of these stages needs considerably more funding.

1. Prevention

Happy Child’s prevention programme impacts children in some of the most desperate shanty-towns in Belo Horizonte. It not only provides Happy Child Holiday Clubs twice a year for over 200 children but works with other local agencies to provide family support and advice.

2. Reach out and Rescue

Initial contact through the Casa Emaus – 24 hour Short Term Refuge for Children at Risk – aim is to restore each child emotionally, spiritually, physically, educationally and socially. Maximum stay 12 weeks before referral.

3. Reception & Stabilisation

Qualified staff receive the children, often on drugs or with aggressive behaviour patterns. Behaviour stabilised and detox if needed.
Medical check ups.

4. Assessment

Find child’s case history and contact family if possible.

5. Personal Development

Specialist help to rescue and restore self esteem and sense of value.

6. Specialist Help

Access to in-house psychologist, trained social worker, team of nine carers including a family support unit for visits to the children’s relatives.

7. Longer Term Care Homes

Boys and girls are referred to one of Happy Child’s five longer term care homes in and around Belo Horizonte. Each home has 12 children who are looked after by a team of dedicated staff.

8. Farm Community

Boys from 6 to 18 years old are referred to Happy Child’s Farm set in the hills 25km from Belo Horizonte, where these is a structured programme of education, craft workshops and discipleship training, often leading to return to their family and community.

9. Integration

Offered educational workshops, IT and sport.

10. Routines & Recreation

Homes model normal family life, with children encouraged to help around the house, build relationships and participate in range of activities including art, crafts, cooking and discipleship classes.

11. Outside Involvement

Children attend local schools and participate in extra curricular activities.

12. Family Return

Explore possibilities for re-establishing connection with their family, Fostering or adoption.