Transition to Family Care
An Immersive Simulation Experience (Sim-Lab)
Scripture and science are clear: children need families to thrive.
Yet millions of children around the world are separated from family care, often living in residential care centers such as orphanages and children’s homes.
We are seeing a global movement of programs transitioning their services from residential care to family-based solutions. Thousands of children have been moved from residential to family care. As a result, thousands more individuals, communities and churches have been impacted as programs engage with entire families rather than individual children.
Experience what it's like to transition to family-based care
The Transition to Family Care Simulation Experience (also known as Sim-Lab) helps residential care providers experience the process of transitioning to family care in an innovative way. By utilizing a fictional case study, Sim-Lab circumvents the challenge of attendees getting caught up in the emotional implications of transition for their own program.
Participants are encouraged to set aside thoughts about the potential impact of transition on their program, focusing instead on the opportunity to learn about the specific components that contribute to a full understanding of the transition process. This frees them up to consider and envision new options and potential solutions that can later be applied to their own programs.
Who is Sim-Lab intended for?
What will participants learn?
At Sim-Lab, leaders will use small group discussion and coaching to help participants walk away with an understanding of key topics that contribute to vulnerable children living in secure families, including:
Raising awareness
Case management
Fundraising and transitioning donors
Family assessment and support
Transitioning assets
Case monitoring and evaluation
Tools and resources to support next steps
How to experience Sim-Lab
You can participate in this simulation experience in two ways:
Join us at CAFO Summit
Each year we host a Sim-Lab event for Summit attendees to experience what it's like to transition to family-based care.
Host your own Sim-Lab
Be part of a movement toward family solutions in your area. We will help train you to host this event where you live.
Hosting your own immersive simulation event.
Be part of catalyzing a movement toward family solutions in your area! This program works well as a standalone one-day event to get key actors in your area connected and excited about family care for children. The Immersive Simulation Experience can also be a fantastic addition to a larger conference or event.
Our Facilitators Training Course is free and prepares you to host this event in your area. Facilitators Training Course includes:
Facilitators guide with everything you need to run your own event
Sample schedule
Guidance for choosing table coaches
Printable table coach and participant guide
Sample messaging and scripts
Guidance on how to translate event resources