Bringing Donors Along on the Journey: A Preliminary Investigation of Organisational Strategies in Transitioning from Residential to Family Care for Children

Abstract

Research suggests that children develop best in families. However, millions of children live in residential care centres worldwide. Many residential centres desire to transition their programs from a residential to a family-based model of care, but face barriers surrounding funding and donor support. Little research exists on how organisations address these concerns. The current article investigated the financial impact of transitioning to a family-based model of care, donor engagement practices used in this process, and changes in donor support resulting from the transition. Twenty-six organisations that had fully or partially transitioned their model completed a brief survey. Data revealed an initial increase in cost per child, but long-term the cost of services decreased. Further, findings suggested that involving donors early and using multiple methods and types of communication led to better long-term donor support. Based on these findings, five recommendations were made for organisations planning to transition their care model.