FAQ's About House Parenting
Q: Are you a Christian organization?
A: Yes. Cal Farley’s is a Christian based organization that seeks staff members who can model the Christian life for the youth in care. The mission states clearly that "Cal Farley’s provides professional programs and services in a Christ-centered atmosphere to strengthen families and support the overall development of children."
Q: Is Cal Farley’s affiliated with a particular denomination?
A: No. As an organization, we are non-denominational Christian.
Q Does the house parent couple get to pick the church for their home or cottage?
A: Boys Ranch and Girlstown offer vibrant on-campus chapel programs. Each campus has two or more chapel staff who minister to the residents and staff.
Q: Why are the children placed with you?
A: The majority of our residents come to live with us when their guardians (parents, grandparents, or legal guardians) request our help. Typically a crisis occurs in the family arising from a variety of family, school or legal problems that may include divorce, desertion or abandonment, drugs and alcohol, mental illness, abuse or neglect, physical illness, or other family problems.
Q: What is the profile of the children who live there?
A: Children are ages 5 to age 18. They must be of average intelligence, able to attend a public school setting, and must be capable of living in an open community setting.
Q: Do parents or families have to pay?
A: No. Cal Farley’s does not charge fees to families. Admission to Cal Farley’s is based entirely on need.
Q: How many children are on your campus?
A: Cal Farley’s serves approximately 230-270 boys and girls at our Boys Ranch Campus, and approximately 60 girls at Girlstown.
Q: How long may children stay at Cal Farley’s?
A: Cal Farley’s has experienced success in both short-term and long-term settings. Families agree to place their child for at least one year. Many of the children who arrive on campus at a young age remain with us until graduation. We have recently graduated several young men and women who were in our care for up to 13 years. The average length of stay is approximately 2 years, and the average length of stay for graduating seniors is approximately 4 years.
Q: What are the typical traits of a successful house parent couple?
A: Our successful house parents have unique personalities, come from different careers and financial situations, and they are different ages and come from many walks of life. One common theme is that they see their job as a calling, or a ministry. Whatever the case, several foundational characteristics they represent include: a positive attitude, patience, strong moral character, compassion, dedication, determination, and most importantly, a desire to help children.
Q: Do house parents have children of their own?
A: Yes and no. Usually people who want to work with children have children of their own, but we have experienced many outstanding house parents who did not have children. Cal Farley’s encourages staff children to be an integral part of the campus community and they enjoy many of the same opportunities and benefits as resident children.
Q: What is the schedule for a house parent?
A: House parents work six days on and three days off. Cal Farley’s incorporates a family model. House parents are available 24-hours, although there is down time scheduled into most days. We are committed to making sure that house parents have time off for rest and recuperation.
Q: May house parents bring pets?
A: Yes. The campuses normally allow 1 dog or cat.
Q: Do you advise newlyweds to consider becoming House parents?
A: No. Newly married couples should focus on their relationship without the outside demands of instantly adding a family of 10-12 children. It is important that our house parent couples have a strong, time-tested relationship built on a strong foundation.
Q: What kind of training do you provide?
A: Cal Farley’s provides an outstanding training program that enables personnel to enhance their knowledge, skills, and capabilities; and ensures that personnel are appropriately trained to assume their responsibilities.
Q: What benefits do you provide?
A: Cal Farley’s provides excellent salary and benefits.
Q: What are the living quarters like?
A: The homes and cottages are approximately 7000 square feet, with house parent apartments attached, but separate from each other. House parent apartments include 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a living room and kitchen. Only appliances are furnished.
Q: How are you funded?
A: Cal Farley’s is funded primarily through the generous contributions of donors.