Our shelter serves boys and girls from 0 to 7 years old who have survived abuse or have been voluntarily placed for adoption. We have a license granted by the Department of the Family, allowing us to operate with a capacity of up to 18 minors simultaneously. However, annually we serve between 24 and 30 minors, adapting to the permanence plans of each case.
Since its inception, the Home's commitment has been to provide care and services in a safe and empathetic environment, trauma-informed and based on best practices. We seek to help children go through the process of grieving and losing their biological family, promoting the formation of their identity and working to reestablish trust and security. Our goal is to provide them with the opportunity to establish new ties, recover their right and status as a child in a permanent family through adoption.
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Shelter Care Services
We offer a wide range of services designed to ensure the comprehensive well-being of the minors under our guardianship:
Attention and Care
Our highly trained staff is available 24/7, providing ongoing, trauma-sensitive care and attention.
Comprehensive Health Services
We carry out exhaustive medical evaluations to quickly obtain a clear view of the physical health status of minors.
Recreational, Cultural, Artistic and/or Sports Activities
We promote comprehensive development through various activities.
Private Psychiatric Services
We offer services from a psychiatric professional when necessary.
Trauma-Focused Services
Professionals licensed in Social Work and Psychology provide specialized services that address specific needs arising from trauma.
24 hour transportation
We guarantee continuous transportation for any management related to the well-being of minors and organizational functioning.
We Provide Necessary Items
We supply essential items such as personal hygiene products, clothing, shoes and anything else necessary.
Speech and Language, Occupational and/or Physical Therapies:
We provide specialized therapies based on individual needs.
Private Education
We collaborate with Escuela Montessori San Cristóbal and/or the Puerto Rico Department of Education to guarantee quality education.
Montessori Home Life and TBRI
Our approach is based on the Montessori Philosophy and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
Balanced diet
We guarantee a balanced diet to meet nutritional needs.
Services
Specialized
We tailor our services to address any specific needs of the children in our care.
Other services
Required
We are committed to meeting any other needs that may arise to ensure the comprehensive well-being of minors.
Evidence-based practices
The services provided at the Hogar Cuna San Cristóbal shelter are evidence-based practices, including:
Trust-Based Relational Intervention
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) works with a trauma-informed, whole-child approach to the care of vulnerable children and youth. Based on attachment theory and developmental neuroscience. This intervention is designed to help carers see and meet the needs of the children and young people in their care. It is based on three sets of interactive principles: connect, empower and correct. For more information visit: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri
Child-centered play therapy
Play therapy encompasses a series of specialized methods and techniques, the objective of which is for the child to find various opportunities for the expression and self-control of their emotions, the expansion of consciousness, the recognition of their own resources and potentialities, as well as the normalization of its development patterns. This with the guidance of an adult (play therapist) specialized in this model of therapeutic work, who offers the child a cordial, empathetic and affectionate relationship that provides the necessary confidence to overcome the needs that led him/her to therapy.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment approach that has been shown to help children, adolescents, and their parents (or other caregivers) overcome trauma-related difficulties, including child maltreatment. TF-CBT helps children address distorted or disturbing beliefs and attributions and learn skills that will help them cope with the stressors of everyday life. It also helps non-abusive parents cope effectively with their own emotional distress and develop skills to support their children.
Eligibility requirements
Minors who meet the following criteria are eligible to access the shelter's services.
0 -7
AGE
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Minors removed by Law no. 57-2023, from newborns to 7 years old.
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Minors between 0 and 3 years old voluntarily placed for adoption.
GENDER
Female and male.
ENTRY CRITERIA
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Minors with an adoption permanence plan, or minors with a family return plan concurrent with adoption.
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Minors referred by the Department of Family Services or who arrive through the voluntary adoption placement program.
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A prior discussion of the case is required to determine if the Home can meet the specific needs of the minor for whom admission is requested.
