Nazareth serves children who present complicated profiles of clinical need and risk, including genetic vulnerabilities, exposure to neglect and trauma, and loss/disruptive placements. Their histories compromise their academic and social/emotional functioning, resulting in behaviors involving trauma-reactive safety concerns, i.e., verbal violence, physical aggression, sexual misconduct, and many other asocial/destructive behaviors. Many of our youth have multiple diagnoses, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, reactive attachment disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others.
We are proud of the progress that our youth achieve as they grow and develop with us. In the past couple of years alone, Nazareth has served well over 50 youth and their families. Often, our youth have successfully transitioned back to life with their families and communities. Reunification for these youth has happened in a variety of ways based on each unique circumstance. Many of our youth have reunited with their families, their local neighborhood, and school, while others have gone to adoptive families. In some cases, youth move to either an intensive foster home or move to a new group program closer to their families. While the average length of stay for youth can be quite varied due to individual circumstances it is typically between 18-36 months.