Children and Residential Experiences
CARE
Creating Conditions for Change
Here at Spero, we embrace the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model as a framework for best practices that drive results when it comes to working with children, caregivers, and families. The CARE model is an evidence-based, trauma-informed model listed on the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse. By embracing this model, we foster the development of a shared approach that provides our employees with the perspectives and skills to achieve positive outcomes and an increased sense of hope to every person we serve.
CARE was developed by Cornell University’s Residential Child Care Project as a comprehensive framework for providing care based on six guiding principles:
- Developmentally focused
- Family-involved
- Relationship-based
- Competence-centered
- Trauma-informed
- Ecologically oriented
By working through this framework together, practice is infused at all levels of the agency and guides interactions, planning, decision-making, and crisis prevention which can incrementally and cumulatively reshape children and family experiences in ways that prepare them to be better equipped for life’s daily challenges.
Ever since Spero adopted the CARE model, we have brought about a lot of positive changes in our organization. We have not only reformed the way we engage with our clients but also revamped our Core Values, executive-level policies, and hiring practices, keeping CARE at the forefront of everything we do.
Spero Care Trainers
Tunezia Badger
Development Officer
“CARE is not only beneficial for individuals working with youth in out-of-home environments, but it can also benefit parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, and others who interact with children and adolescents.”
MJ Bean
Wraparound Service Coordinator
“I highly value the principles of CARE, as they are applicable to all areas of life, not just in residential settings. CARE teaches us that trauma can be healed and that strong bonds and healthy relationships can be fostered, even in situations where others may believe this is not possible.”
Elizabeth Carson
Adoption and Permanency Specialist
“There are many reasons why I think the CARE model is important. It brings all of these huge components in a person’s life together, like understanding trauma and building relationships, involving family, creating warm and inviting spaces and having the knowledge and attitude to be successful in life.”
Kari Docherty
Training Coordinator
Lynne Hampton
TLP/ILO Case Manager
“CARE takes and builds on what we already know, giving us a fresh new perspective filled with more understanding, more compassion, more knowledge, and most importantly, more hope than ever before.”
Eryn Larsen
Wraparound Quality Assurance Coordinator
“Embracing the CARE model’s principles fosters a framework beyond child care, reshaping our engagement with individuals and communities. By prioritizing holistic, compassionate practices, we transform lives and reframe our connections, building hope for a stronger, more inclusive future.”
Calvin McMillan
Residential Treatment Evening Coordinator
Shelby Rodgers
Clinical Director of Residential Treatment
“CARE has effectively empowered youth in residential treatment to gain a deeper understanding of their personal lives and healing journeys. Additionally, it has offered our staff a structured framework for making thoughtful, informed decisions, ultimately fostering the best possible outcomes in treatment.”
Steven Winchell
QA Coordinator
“I think it’s important that all our decisions are made based on what current research says is in the best interests of our clients and families. CARE provides the framework that we need to be intentional in our decision-making. It’s not a cookie-cutter approach, but that’s what’s so great about it. We’re creating conditions for change—conditions that allow the client to be a part of their journey and to be the driver of their journey.”
What Our Spero Staff Say
Competence is built one success at a time. By celebrating small victories, we help children see the strength they already carry within.
Every interaction is an opportunity to build developmental growth. Through CARE, we meet children where they are and guide them toward where they can go.
When we act through the principles of CARE, we plant seeds of hope, resilience, and possibility in the lives of children and their families.
At Spero Family Services, our dedication to the CARE model drives us to pursue CARE certification across all of our programs and services. This intentional, multi-year process allows us to fully embed CARE principles into every aspect of our daily work, ensuring we provide the best possible support to children and families. The CARE model empowers our staff with a unified approach to reflection, collaboration, and decision-making. By adopting this framework, we foster a sense of hope, resilience, and belonging for those we serve, creating meaningful and lasting impact. Guided by the principles of CARE, Spero Family Services remains committed to transforming lives and building brighter futures—one interaction at a time.
Phone
618-242-1070 ext. 1259
Address
2023 Richview Road, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864