CREDO Foundation for Justice

Development

In this section...

Centres’ Objectives

The Development Programmes of our Centres is linked to their objectives - to provide a place of safety and promote education and positive growth in the lives of our young people. It involves a structured plan of activities in weekly and vacation programmes, as well as specific modules designed to accomplish the Centres’ goals, create new learning opportunities and maximize teachable moments.

The Centres’ development programme is also a reflection of the vision and core values shared by all the Centres of Credo Foundation for Justice.

  • Dedication
  • Respect
  • Self-Respect
  • Trustworthiness
  • Discipline
  • Empowerment
  • Independence
  • Commitment

These values therefore become principles that guide the planning of programmes and the manner in which they are implemented. The development programme is supported by the Centre’s staff as they:

  • Create and maintain a stimulating learning environment that reinforces our education and development goals and motivates our residents to learn and succeed
  • Model appropriate behaviour
  • Reinforce a positive culture reflected in appropriate interactions and tone of voice
  • Ensure affirmations, and motivate our young people to do well
  • Identify needs for counselling and other interventions by social support services, and ensure their implementation
  • Encourage mentoring and other supportive relationships with volunteers and external facilitators
  • Develop and implement the Parent Empowerment Programme for parents, relatives and guardians of residents, as well as members of the community

Key Development Areas

The key areas of the development programme are:

  • Remedial Education
  • Spirituality
  • Personal Development
  • Life Skills
  • Socialisation

Modules are developed and implemented internally. They are also conducted in collaboration with volunteers. They include theoretical teaching, practical sessions, rap sessions, role play and field trips.

Development

Credo Foundation for Justice has an ongoing Staff Development Programme which focuses on developing a clear strategy for the education and development of the children of the Credo Foundation as well as building the capability of the staff members to fulfil the objectives of the Centres.

The Staff Development Programme included workshops and staff coaching sessions as well as the introduction of a Job Evaluation process. The Programme involves:

  1. Equipping staff members with skills and tools to better fulfil their job responsibilities and contribute to the goals of the Foundation
  2. Developing appropriate relationships with the children
  3. Building a positive culture in the Centres reflected in the environment, interactions among staff and residents and the language used in the Centres
  4. Working with the staff members in designing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive developmental programme tailored to the particular needs of the children - parts of which will be conducted in house and sourced externally

As this process has grown this year (2008) our focus - as we set new goals and apply previous learning - will be on:

  • Excellence in Service & Performance
  • Excellence in Education & Development
  • Motivation
  • Building Management and Supervisory Skills
  • Creating a Positive, Learning Environment

As we improve effectiveness and performance, it is important to build a culture of Excellence in our Centres and an attitude of Excellence among our young people.

Previous workshops have included:

  • Team Building
  • Values and Culture
  • Ethics and Accountability
  • Leadership
  • Developing the Personal & Professional Self - Maintaining the Balance
  • Developing a Winning Attitude
  • Improving Relationships with Young People - Being Real, Being Affirming

In addition we have participated in staff retreats aimed at:

  1. Getting to Know Each Other
  2. Recognising our Role at the Centres
  3. Renewing our Commitment
  4. Affirming Each Other
  5. How we can we help youths to recognise their worthiness
  6. Forgiveness and Thanksgiving

Staff members have also attended the Trauma, Teen Anger and Delinquency, a workshop led by Dr. R. Greenwald, hosted by the Franciscan Institute for Personal and Family Development and The Child Trauma Institute.