In-House Child Care

BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

• Children entering the shelter are experiencing a great deal of change in their lives.  You may notice that your child’s behavior has changed. Please remember that they are in a new place and it will take time to adjust.
• Your child may seem shy and afraid, or become very active. Both are very common.
• Sleep patterns may temporarily change.  For example, children may sleep a lot more than they did before, or have a difficult time falling or staying asleep.
• It will take most children a few days to become used to the rules and routines in the shelter.
• Bedtimes are set for certain times to give moms quiet time to relax and talk with other moms after the children have fallen asleep.
• Please remember that consistent parenting and schedules are essential for children experiencing change.

 SCHOOL

• Children are required to attend school while staying at the shelter.
• We will assist with registration forms, enrollment and transitioning your child/children into the school system.
• We may be able to provide school essentials such as shoes and school bags.

REFERRALS

• At New Starts we recognize the individual needs of each child, and we can make referrals to other services based on those needs.  Referrals may include:
• Children’s counseling
• Children’s programs outside of the shelter
• Medical, dental and health agencies

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

• Intakes and safety planning with children 4 and up.
• Children’s activities, sports and crafts which promote growth and healing
• Provide advocacy on behalf of children accessing the services at New Starts.
• Provide children with the opportunity to talk and be heard.
• Children Who Witness Violence programs for children, and their moms.

MOM’S PROGRAM

• Provides information, resources and referrals for parenting issues and concerns.
• Child Witnessing Program for Mom’s and their children.

Kids Questions

1. What is New Starts for Women – Women’s Shelter?
New Starts is a safe place where many women and their children go to live.

2. Why do women and children live here?
Because someone has hurt them. This hurt could be with hitting or with words and the home they are living in now is no longer safe.

3. Is it my fault that we had to leave?
No…It is never the fault of a child. Never Never Never!

4. Will I stay in the shelter forever?
No, you and your mom will stay in the shelter until we help find you a new home to live in. (we are very good at this)

5. Can I come to the shelter without my mother?
Maybe, all children under the age of 16 should be coming to New Starts with their mothers. Girls/women 16 and over fleeing violence should call the crisis line to find out if New Starts is the right place for you.

6. Will I be the only kid living in the shelter?
No, there may be other children and youth living in the shelter who come with their mothers.

7. Can I still go to school?
Yes, we value your education as much as you do and it is your right to go. What will possibly change is the school you go to now. It may not be safe for you to go to the same school. If you change schools you will go to the same school with most of the children already living in the shelter.

8. What does a day in the shelter look like for a kid?

• Wake up for school
• Eat your breakfast
• Brush your teeth/wash your face
• Head to school/daycare
• Have a great day at school/daycare
• Come back home to the shelter
• Wash up
• Have snack
• Join the homework club
• Dinner
• Depending on the night you may join a children’s program, have free play in the living area, go on the computers, meet with a child and youth program staff
• See the activity calendar for the month. These will change depending on ages of children in the shelter.

9. I am nine and my sister is five will we be together in the children’s programs?
You may spend some time together but will also have your individual time to work on different activities. If you are worried about not being with your sister then we will make sure that you have time together until you are comfortable with doing activities on your own.

10. Will I have my own bedroom?
No, you will share your room with your family but you will have your own bed. (See picture of a typical bedroom)

11. Will I have contact with my friends & Family?
We support the continuing relationships you have with your school friends and others important to you. We will work with mom to help plan for life in the shelter.