FOR MORE INFORMATION* Visit www.ch-cs.org* Call 423-698-2456* Email Paulette Acord, npacord@ch-cs.org to volunteerABOUT THE HOMEThe Children’s Home and the Chambliss Shelter merged in 1982 and now provide child care for more than 350 children ranging from infants to 12-year-olds. The nonprofit organization is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
It’s not easy to become a foster parent – candidates must complete a stringent nine-week training course that covers everything from CPR to cultural awareness.
Now, candidates can take that course at the Children’s Home/Chambliss Shelter in Chattanooga. Tennessee designated the organization a Parents As Tender Healers training facility earlier this year, allowing staff members to train hundreds of potential foster parents.
“In this area, there are about 300 to 400 children in state custody, just in Hamilton County,” Children’s Home/Chambliss Shelter President and CEO Phil Acord said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. “We know there is a tremendous need out there for foster homes. The recruiting, training and follow-up with these people is critical.”
This is the first time the Children’s Home has had both the space and the equipment needed to win the three-year training contract from the state, he said. The Children’s Home used a $25,000 gift from the law firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel to renovate and equip five rooms for the program.