There are serious short and long-term consequences from abuse and neglect that affect not only the child and family, but also society as a whole. Unfortunately, the cycle of abuse and neglect is very difficult to alter and many of the more traditional approaches address only short-term solutions. With many state caregivers basing their quality of care on reimbursement received from the state and/or federal level, there is an inadequate number of quality foster homes existing. New and creative approaches that emphasize comprehensive preventive and treatment modalities with a long-term perspective aimed at infants and young children are desperately needed. This approach can and will alter potential consequences before children are seriously damaged. The vision of New Jerusalem is to provide homes, within a ranch style setting, for the abused and neglected children in the foster care system. The agency will meet the needs of these children by offering 24-hour living facilities, staffed by trained foster parents, who will provide appropriate parenting and training to the children. The major goal is to provide long-term placement of children if return to natural families is not feasible. This program is unique in that the focus is not on the usual short-term placements offered by traditional community agencies, but rather emphasizes long-term placement that will result in sustained positive progress for children. New Jerusalem will be home for the children from the time they are removed from their biological parents, or until they go home to their parents or are adopted. In the instance where the foster parents adopt the child(ren), they will be allowed to remain as a part of New Jerusalem.

“I pray that the issue of foster care will be taken on by the faith-based community so that the lives of children in communities across the country can be changed and positively affected for generations. ” Quote from “Closing words from Judge Hatchett” article Bridging the Gap: Foster Children and the Faith-Based Community; Winter 2007.


Dear Mr. Jesus written & produced by Richard Klender © 1985 Klenco Music. Used by permission, All Rights Reserved, International Rights Secured