Developmental and Psychological Services

Casa de Esperanza's Developmental Center was established in 1985 to address the many developmental and emotional problems of children placed at Casa. Services include developmental, psychological and psychiatric evaluations; individual and group therapy for the children in placement; counseling for biological, foster, and adoptive families of children who are or have been in placement at Casa de Esperanza; and training for staff, foster parents and adoptive parents.

Standardized psychological assessment, evaluation, individual play, therapeutic play group and family support are available from two staff psychologists. Medication needs are addressed by a volunteer psychiatrist in a twice monthly clinic held on site at the Casa Developmental Center. All treatment needs become a part of each child's service plan and are incorporated into the daily routines of their placement. Psychological services often include school consultations due to the significant number of children at Casa who require special services in educational settings. Consultations with physicians are held as needs arise around HIV, children diagnosed with failure to thrive, eating disorders, or other situations where behavior may be immediately related to physical health.

All Developmental Center psychological services are offered free of charge to children who are presently in Casa's care or have previously been in Casa's care. As a result there is a growing percentage of services provided to children and families in extended foster care, pre- and post-adoptive placements, and those who have returned home to live with their biological families.

Developmental evaluations by a child development specialist are administered to each child in placement at Casa de Esperanza. Follow-up evaluations are done at three, six, or twelve-month intervals, as recommended, depending on the child's age and needs. These evaluations have proven critical in identifying deficit areas, which can benefit from early intervention. They often lead to children receiving the services they need such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Developmental evaluations also frequently qualify children for programs such as Early Childhood, Head Start, or special services through their school district.

Casa de Esperanza's Developmental Center services also include training opportunities for staff, foster and adoptive parents. These training classes are designed not only to meet standards required by law but also place a strong emphasis on identifying, understanding, and meeting the needs of traumatized and displaced children. Through these training and volunteer activities, a supportive relationship between Casa de Esperanza staff and prospective families and caregivers can develop. Pre-adoptive counseling provided by the Developmental Center psychologists and staff is an extension of this training for families who wish to pursue adoption. As time passes and the number of adopted children increases, Casa de Esperanza's post-adoptive family services are also being expanded. Along with offering individual and family therapy at the Developmental Center to post-adoptive families, the psychologists provide consultation in the homes, make classroom observations, meet with teachers, attend educational planning meetings and liaison with other agencies to secure needed services.

It is the policy of Casa de Esperanza that no family is charged for services provided by the agency.